Craig Lehoullier

Craig LeHoullier's first book, Epic Tomatoes, is the culmination of decades of a passion for collecting, researching and growing hundreds of varieties of tomatoes. Residing in Raleigh, NC with his wife Susan and small assortment of dogs and cats, Craig's gardening passion was planted when very young by walks through his grandfather's backyard garden in Pawtucket, Rhode island, and, later on, planting the family gardens with his dad. Possessing a PhD in chemistry, Craig's professional career involved various positions in a major pharmaceutical company. After retiring in 2008, and following a few years of consulting, he decided to take the plunge into garden writing, a logical progression from Craig's many years of garden lectures, a newsletter (Off The vine), and blogging. Craig's passion for tomatoes in particular exploded after joining the Seed Savers Exchange in 1986, and all gardens since focus on open pollinated (non-hybrid) varieties, in a wide range of colors, sizes and flavors. He is responsible for naming, developing and introducing many varieties, such as Cherokee Purple and Lucky Cross, and has been co-leading a unique all-volunteer project to create new dwarf-growing varieties. The project is responsible for 25 new tomatoes available through a variety of seed companies, particularly valuable for space-constrained gardeners who wish to grow wonderful tomatoes on decks or patios. Craig continues to be active in the Seed Savers Exchange and has served as Adviser on Tomatoes to the organization for many years. His new author website is www.epictomatoes.com, and you can follow his personal blog and local seedling sales www.nctomatoman.com.