Chicago’s Tomato Man on the impacts of erratic spring temperatures on his beloved heirlooms
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By Zareen Syed
Published on April 22, 2026.
Bob Zeni, a renowned gardener in Chicago, has been gardening heirloom tomatoes for 26 years and is one of the leading experts in Chicagoland. Zeni's mission is to educate consumers about the benefits of a homegrown tomato, which he believes is superior to mass produced tomatoes. He also hopes to teach home gardeners how to cultivate plants using techniques that reduce their carbon footprint. The effects of climate change have made Zeni more cautious about optimal growing conditions for his heirlooms. He recently discovered that worm poop is a more environmentally friendly fertilizer for his plants, far better than cow manure, and recommends using live ladybugs as an alternative to chemical pesticides.
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