How to Garden Organic Tomatoes

Organic tomatoes are not treated with chemical fertilizers.

Organic gardening is the process of growing plants without the use of synthetic products. Instead, organic gardeners rely on natural methods of pest and weed control, enrich the soil with organic matter and attempt to preserve the environment as much as possible. Organic tomatoes are high-quality produce, free from pesticides and other chemical residue.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or trowel
• Mulch
• Compost
• Tomato stakes
• Twine

Instructions

1. Amend the soil in which you will be planting the tomatoes, adding organic matter such as compost, mulch and peat moss. Till the soil and organic matter together for better aeration.

2. Transplant tomato starts when danger of frost has passed. Place starts in holes approximately 4 inches deep, leaving 2 to 4 feet between plants.

3. Water plants thoroughly to encourage a deep root system. Tomatoes require ample watering, particularly when there is little rainfall.

4. Stake the plants as they grow taller to improve yield and avoid disease. Tie each plant to its stake with soft cord or twine, leaving room for the plant to grow.

5. Control weeds with organic mulch such as straw or compost in a 4-inch-thick layer around the plants.

6. Check the plants regularly for common pests such as hornworms and fruit worms. Hand-pick the worms and insects and destroy them. There are botanical and organic pesticides available for larger infestations, such as nicotine sulfate, natural pyrethrins and neem extracts.

7. Harvest tomatoes twice a week in warm weather. Pick fully ripened tomatoes while they are still firm. Just before frost, pick the remaining tomatoes and allow them to ripen in a cool, dark place at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When they begin to turn pink, let them finish ripening at room temperature, about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• Vine-ripened tomatoes often have better flavor than tomatoes that are picked green, but ripening on the vine increases the chance of cracked skin.

References

• Washington State University; Organic Gardening; Art Antonelli et al
• Texas A&M University; Easy Gardening...Tomatoes; Sam Cotner
• University of MIssouri: Growing Home Garden Tomatoes
• Oklahoma State University; Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden; David A. Hillock et al

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Cornell University: Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management