You can use successive plantings of the same variety or several varieties of different maturity dates at the same time to extend the harvest season. With the same care, some varieties yield much more than others. Usually, hybrids outyield nonhybrids. Varieties differ greatly in flavor, texture, keeping ability and adaptability to canning and freezing. How you will use it may influence the variety you choose.
Some varieties resist leaf and soil-borne diseases and nematodes.
Resistance is important where these problems are known to exist or where you haven't taken proper prevention measures. Your county Extension Service office has a current list of recommended varieties. Jefferson was the master plantsman and gardener. You can follow in his footsteps by keeping a detailed record of your gardening accomplishments.