Signs of life ... and a question

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As promised, here’s an update on the Parsons’ Family Farm (well, the four raised vegetable beds in my front yard). The squash and the melons have poked through and are doing well, as are about half of the bean seeds I planted at the same time. The beans seem to be a little slower to germinate than the cucurbits. (I planted them all April 13.)

I’ve also planted three tomato plants I bought last week from Barbara Spencer at Windrose Farm. Two of them are old favorites: Cherokee Purple and Brandywine Pink. The third is something called Double Rich Red, which I’ve never tried but Spencer says is “high-acid,” which fits my palate perfectly.

The question is this: I’ve still got one tomato spot left. What should I plant? Cherokee and Brandywine are beefsteak-types. Double Rich Red looks to be more of a slicer. I’m tempted to put in a cherry, or maybe a paste. I’m a couple of miles inland, but the early summer months still tend to be foggy and cool (this last weekend notwithstanding!). So maybe something very reliable like a Sweet 100 or even Early Girl (not a cherry, I know) would be a smart bet. What do you think?

-- Russ Parsons