Lover of Pies: You're not alone in that. Every since Shumway's bought out Totally Tomatoes their quality has gone downhill, and there have been nothing but complaints about their seed quality and service. I don't know any serious heirlooms growers who will have anything to do with them---or any of the Shumway's group. Another example of a formerly great seed house now fallen on the Shumway's hard times is Vermont Bean Seed.
FWIW, the general approach to growing your own tomatoes is to set the seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. When collecting seed directly, from ripe tomatoes, it's really best to ferment the seed, which removes the anti-germination compunds in the gel coat, and destroys most seed-borne pathogens. Plus you eliminate any non-viable seed.
If you want the names of some reliable heirlooms seed suppliers let me know and I'll post them. |