Organic tomato gardening continues to be the number one choice of homestead gardeners. It has also become a famous backyard hobby for many people who live in suburbia. Like other organically grown foods that are cultivated naturally and without using chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides, organic tomatoes will cost a bit more than regular tomatoes.
Here are 6 tips to help you get started:
- Location – Organic tomato gardening calls for plenty of sun – around 8 to 12 hours a day to keep the roots and soil warm, and for growth. If you have indoor organic tomato plants, you need to take them out during the day so they can absorb sunlight and heat from the sun.
- Temperature – Soil temperature should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during day time is favorable for organic tomato plants. When nights get cooler than usual, it’s best that you cover your tomato plants with buckets or sheets overnight. Tomato plants don’t do well during very hot summers especially when temperatures rise above 90 degrees. Provide shade to your tomato plants to block the sun’s scorching rays during daytime.
- Watering – Irregular watering in organic tomato gardening can cause sporadic growth of the fruit and rot diseases. You need to water the tomato plants twice a week, with the soil soaked within 6 to 8 inches. If the temperature is extremely hot, you need to water the plants more.
- Fertilizer – Natural organic fertilizers are the best for organic tomato gardening because they don’t contain chemical-based products. The ideal fertilizers for your tomatoes are those that are high in nitrogen such as composted grass/weed clippings, seaweed, fish emulsion and manure.
- Pest control – Natural enemies of your tomatoes’ pests can be used to eradicate them. Birds, lizards, frogs and ladybugs are the natural enemies of aphids and caterpillars that eat up the tomato leaves and fruits. Staking your plants to keep them off the ground can protect them against insects and worms that live in there.
- Mulching – You can use black plastic around the tomato plants to prevent weed growth and to keep the soil warm. This also helps direct the water to the roots.
Growing organic tomatoes is an excellent source of food and nutrition. Many homesteaders will can, dehydrate, and barter with their organic tomatoes.
Beyond a food source and perhaps a hobby for some people, organic tomato gardening can also be a good source of income. There’s no need to bust your wallet just to have a taste of this coveted fruit because you’ll enjoy it for free once your garden is thriving with produce.
Popular Questions
What are the most important tips for organic tomato gardening?
Start with healthy organic seedlings or untreated seeds suited to your climate. Plant tomatoes in a sunny location with well-drained soil enriched with compost, and leave enough space for air circulation. Water deeply at the soil level, mulch around the plants, and avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
How should you prepare soil for organic tomato gardening?
Choose a garden bed that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Mix finished compost into the soil before planting to improve fertility and drainage, and test the soil if poor growth has been a recurring problem. Avoid planting tomatoes in the same spot where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or potatoes grew recently.
What is the best way to water tomatoes organically?
Water tomato plants slowly and deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Apply water at the base of each plant in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal disease. Add a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to conserve moisture and reduce soil splashing.
How can you control pests and diseases in organic tomato gardening?
Inspect plants several times a week and remove damaged leaves, caterpillars, or visible pests by hand. Encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings, and use approved organic treatments only when monitoring shows they are needed. Support plants with cages or stakes, prune crowded growth carefully, and remove diseased foliage from the garden rather than adding it to compost.