Growing organic tomatoes in your own backyard requires preparation. It is essential to include a contingency plan for pest attacks by knowing the safe and healthy techniques to use. It is crucial to take the theory of prevention of pests and diseases at heart even before they strike.
Master gardeners assert that pests and diseases are indications of unhealthy tomato plants. So the best method is to grow organic tomatoes that are naturally resistant to pests and diseases. The vital factors that should be in place at the onset are appropriate soil management and moisture, and proper nourishment for your plants.
Even if you have highly-resistant plants, it is still best to have a natural organic tomato pesticide available anytime. You should remember that resorting to some chemical-based pesticides should only be your final course if every organic tomato pesticide and techniques you've tried all failed.
First is to use farmscaping. This is an old-school method of breaking the life cycle of insects and alleviating diseases. You can incorporate flowering crops that can attract natural enemies of pests such as beneficial insects and birds. You can also plant a strip of sweet corn nearby your organic tomatoes since this crop attracts tomato fruit worms.
A true-blue, home-made organic tomato pesticide is the garlic and chilli pepper spray. However, you need to prepare this concoction in advance. Pulverize 6 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried chopped chilli peppers, 1 minced onion and 1 gallon of hot water using a food processor. You must remember to use only organic ingredients for this. You can also use organic vinegar or juice of organic citrus, and other natural ingredients as recommended by expert gardeners. For other options, you can check the net for additional info.
Spoon out the mixture from the food processor and let it sit in a container for 2 days. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle using cheesecloth. This mixture is capable of exterminating different pests and insects such as aphids, horn worms, fruit worms, flea beetles and caterpillars.
Monitor your crops after you've applied these methods. You may need to re-apply your organic tomato pesticide within a few days or each and every week to ensure elimination of pests.
Kill Pests With Home-made Organic Tomato Spray
One of the worst problems that any tomato gardener may experience is getting rid of pests. If your backyard is already a haven for caterpillars, worms, snails and bugs, then it's best to plant your tomatoes somewhere else. Since you cannot use a chemical-based pesticide, it is best that you look for commercial organic tomato spray or concoct it yourself.
Many home gardeners experiment with various organic tomato spray ingredients using organic produce from their own garden. One of the most effective spray agents are organic citrus juices since they contain acids that can repel those unwanted insects and other pests. Organic chilli peppers, garlic and vegetable oil are also ideal ingredients because they are naturally organic.
You can make your own mixture of organic tomato spray using organic products from the store such as fruit juices, oils, vinegar and any other organic liquid condiment. You can also search the net for additional information and other recommended ingredients.
The simplest preparation your can make on the spot is the chilli-garlic organic tomato spray. Using a food processor, pulverize 10 garlic cloves and 2 chilli peppers. Mix 1 gallon of water to the chilli and garlic mixture in a 1 gallon sprayer. Add in 2 tablespoons of organic vegetable oil and/or citrus juice. Spray your organic tomato plants until the leaves are damp. It's best to spray the tomato plants every couple of days. You can re-apply in two weeks if the pests persist.
But if you are unsure of the required ingredients, you can always go for commercial organic tomato sprays. Make sure to check the contents for any chemical or toxic ingredient. You can also visit your local garden supplies store to check for similar products.
It is also a good practice to include in another method to ensure the effectiveness of your technique. You can include natural enemies or biological pest control tactics such as introduction of birds, ladybugs and lizards.
Generally, you can control the pests that attack your tomato organic tomato garden without being problematic. The idea is to be able to detect early on if there are pests in your garden to prevent attacks. And when your organic tomato plants are healthy, they will be able to thrive and fight off pests with minimal application of pesticides.
Organic Tomato Paste - Concentrated Tomato Goodness
Eating organic foods has become a fad - more of a cult following among aficionados. But if you think of it on a general sense, it does have a lot of benefits which makes it appealing to health-conscious people. The versatility of organic tomatoes and products derived from them have become popular as food and primary ingredient.
One of the most useful and tasty product is organic tomato paste. This tasty treat is great for almost any dish that you can think of. If you love to use fresh or dried tomatoes, this is a great alternative or replacement if you ran out of them. What's best about it is that it has no chemicals from additives or preservatives. You can check the label of a can of organic tomato paste to see the contents. It should not have any preservatives or synthetic-sounding ingredient if it is indeed organic.
Some brands of organic tomato paste have the seal of approval from the USDA or any official food safety organization. You may find locally produced and marketed organic tomato paste in tin cans or jars at your local organic food stores. These are far better than buying them in groceries since the tomatoes are locally-grown and the tomato paste is made fresh regularly.
A can of organic tomato paste may cost around $1. It is loaded with flavor since it is made of concentrated tomatoes. It has the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, so it's great as a substitute if you don't have dried tomatoes at home. It is also loaded with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber and iron.
Tomatoes have natural sugar content which makes them sweet. Lycopene is released when tomato and tomato-based products, like sauces and pastes, are heated. Tomatoes and other red-colored fruits contain lycopene - a is the red pigment found in such fruits. It is also a phytochemical which can only be synthesized by plants. It has been said that it has antioxidant properties which makes it increasingly popular to people.
Tomatoes are staple ingredients and food for most people around the globe and not just for health buffs. A can of organic tomato paste at home can also be a life-saver whenever there are surprise visitors. And with its concentrated goodness, you will never go wrong in any dish that you'll prepare.
Organic Tomato Sauce - A Healthy And Delicious Addition To Your Dishes
Many people are becoming conscious of what they eat. Some eat less meat, some go vegetarian, and some go organic. Organic tomato sauce is one of the best organic foods that you can find in the market and at the same time you can also prepare at home.
Organic tomato sauces in cans are available in the supermarket for roughly $1 to $3. Some are quite expensive if they're made abroad and with loads of expensive spices. It's important that you check the label when you buy from the supermarket. Make sure that there are no preservatives, artificial flavoring and additives in the ingredients.
If you rather make your own organic tomato sauce at home, you should choose ripe tomatoes from your garden or from an organic veggie shop. You can add flavorful spices such as black and cayenne pepper; herbs such as basil, garlic and oregano; and a pinch of salt for added flavor. You can cook the peeled or unpeeled tomatoes over moderate heat until the fruit breaks down. If you want a smoother sauce, you can puree the cooked tomatoes in a food processor. You can use the sauce in so many ways. It's great for pasta, pizza, stews, soups and other home-made dishes.
Folks who choose organic tomato sauce can tell you that it is better tasting compared to regular tomato sauce. The slow growing process of tomato plants and the nutrients that enhanced the development of the fruits are the main factors. You'll be able to taste the difference since there are no chemical-based pesticide or fertilizer that can impact the natural flavor of tomatoes. Another factor that helps in flavoring up the sauce is the slow cooking process. For a more concentrated and flavorful sauce, some people recommend to cook it over low heat for several ours.
Organic tomato gardeners find it fitting to add organic tomato sauce production into their favorite hobby. You can make lots of batches of your own produce and sell them to your neighbors or give them away as take-home gifts to guests.
Getting loads of beneficial nutrients is the best thing about organic tomato sauce. Aside from having organic and natural food on your table, you'll also have a supply of vitamins A and C, lycopene and antioxidants.
The Basics Of Growing Organic Tomato Plants
Many home gardeners are trying their hands in growing organic tomato plants. Some folks even have organic tomato plants for sale especially if they have a huge garden full of them. You need to search for information if you are planning to cultivate you own organic tomato plants.
Since there are various types of organic tomatoes, you need to know which will thrive in your region. You can check online gardening or nurseries for articles or write-ups regarding the history of organic tomato farming in certain locations.
Next is to look for the right spot to plant your organic tomatoes. It is possible to grow them indoors and outdoors, in a crate or pot, in a green house, or hung them upside-down. The important keys are enough sunlight and ample water supply.
Now for the soil. You should use organic soil if you want to grow organic tomato plants. Chemicals that help enhance plant growth and prevent pests are present in commercial soil. Organic soil is very dark, moist and fragrant, and costs higher than regular soil. It also promotes a more natural growth process since plants usually grow slower in organic soil.
An important part of organic tomato gardening is fertilizing. It's best that you use organic fertilizers that are commercially available or you can make your own. These fertilizers usually contain plant or animal materials such as compost or manure, and they are also free from chemical components. Majority of the organic fertilizers that are available today are high micronutrients which are great for growing organic tomatoes.
Adequate supply of water is a main requirement of organic tomato plants. With irregular watering, your tomato plants could suffer from blossom end rot. You should also keep the soil water levels under control. Mulching is a good solution for this and it also helps in controlling soil temperature.
It is quite challenging to keep the pests away from your organic tomatoes especially when they are grown outdoors and without any pesticides. You can fend off pests by using their natural enemies. You can encourage frogs, lizards, ladybugs and birds that can kill pests if you have a source of water for them in your garden. You may also use sticky traps, plant collars and barriers.
It's not so difficult to plant organic tomatoes. Just be prepared, read and research about the crucial steps you need to take in order to have a thriving organic tomato garden.
Top 6 Tips For Organic Tomato Gardening
Organic tomato gardening has become a famous backyard hobby for many people. This crop costs higher than regular tomatoes because it is grown slowly, naturally and without fertilizers and pesticides.
Below are 6 of the best tips to help you out:
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 tomatoes, it is best to take them outside during the day in order for them to absorb sunlight and heat.
Temperature - Organic tomato plants favor warm soil of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Sometimes it gets cooler in the evenings, so it is best to cover your tomato plants with sheets or buckets overnight. During very hot summers, with temperatures of over 90 degrees, are quite difficult for tomato plants. Provide shade to your tomato plants to block the sun's scorching rays during daytime.
Watering - In organic tomato gardening, irregular watering can lead to rot diseases and sporadic growth of the fruit. Watering the tomato plants should be done twice a week and the soil should be 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. You should provide your tomato plants fertilizers that are high in nitrogen such as seaweed, composted grass/weed clippings, manure and fish emulsion.
Pest control - Natural enemies of your tomatoes' pests can be used to eradicate them. Natural enemies of caterpillars and aphids that destroy tomato plants are lizards, birds, ladybugs and frogs. Staking your plants to keep them off the ground can protect them against insects and worms that live in there.
Mulching - Use black plastic around your tomato plants to keep the soil warm and to prevent weed growth. It also directs the water to the plants' roots.
Organic tomato gardening can be a great hobby and source of income at the same time. 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.
Types Of Organic Tomato Fertilizer
Growing organic tomatoes require good soil, enough sunlight, adequate watering and of course, fertilizer. There is no single best organic tomato fertilizer since this plant isn't too picky, so to speak. However, it is only appropriate that you use organic fertilizers for your organic tomato garden instead of the regular, chemical-based variety.
Tomato plants require a lot of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in order to produce lots of leaves and fruits, and to fight-off diseases. Organic tomato fertilizers also have micronutrients which are crucial for the plants' growth.
Check the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of the organic fertilizer that you wish to purchase - it must be at least 8:10:10 or 10:10:10. Purchase natural and less-refined organic fertilizer; or composed if you know an organic tomato fertilizer recipe.
Here are the two major types of organic tomato fertilizer and their sub-types.
Animal-based:
Manure - This is an old-school organic fertilizer which uses grass-eating animals' excrements. Try not to use your pet's excrements because those are nigh in pathogens and toxins that are harmful to your tomato plants and to your health as well. Cattle or horse manure are the best options and they should be composted or aged first.
Fish emulsion - You can either buy or make your own fish emulsion. Mix fish parts or canned fish with carbon-like sawdust and let it decompose.
Blood and bone meal -This may look weird, but this great combination of animal blood and bone is an excellent source of phosphorus and nitrogen. This can be found in garden shops.
Vegetable-based:
Weeds and grass clippings - Anything green in the garden is a great source of nitrogen and this includes grass and weeds too. You must destroy the weeds' seeds by composting it first.
Seaweed - Seaweed may be low in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but it is loaded with up to 60 trace elements that are excellent for tomato plants.
Alfalfa meal - Alfalfa is high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and it is also full of micronutrients and hormones. Alfalfa meal usually comes in the form of hay bales or rabbit food.
Whichever organic tomato fertilizer you want to use, the idea is to combine at least two types for optimum growth. Several tomato farmers spoil their plants in a positive way by giving only the best combination of organic fertilizers.
Varieties Of Heirloom Organic Tomato Seed
Tomatoes are among the most common vegetables grown in backyard gardens. Nowadays, there are gardeners who choose heirloom organic tomato seeds because they don't have traces of chemicals. The labels on most organic tomato seeds are USDA-certified to indicate that they were grown in organic soil and that they are free from chemical-based fertilizer and pesticide. These tomato seeds are also not subjected to genetically-modified materials such as those used in production, cleaning, shipping and storing.
In order to know the type of organic tomatoes that you can grow in your garden, you need to know several varieties that are commonly cultivated by gardeners like you.
Black Krim - This is an heirloom beefsteak organic tomato variant. This tomato has a dark red to dark maroon skin, and it came from the Isle of Krim. Black Krim organic tomato seeds germinate within 6 to 8 days when the temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit and above. It is an indeterminate tomato variety that grows continuously until frost. It is a prolific producer and harvesting can be done in 90 days.
German Queen - This is also a beefsteak tomato variant with firm, red flesh, as well as a sweet and rich flavor. The German Queen organic tomato seeds germinate in 10 days and mature in 85 days. The dry seeds are saved for the preceding year's spring planting. The plants of this indeterminate variant have potato-like leaves on erect vines.
Paul Robeson - This organic tomato variant has a purple-red skin with full, deep flavor and balanced acid-sweet taste. The Paul Robeson tomato seeds require 19 days to germinate and 75 days to mature. This is also an indeterminate variety of tomato that grows constantly until the first autumn frost.
Zapotec - This is a peculiar organic tomato variant which came from the southern part of Mexico. It has a deeply pleated fruit with pink to dark red color. The Zapotec has rich, earthy flavor. You can purchase this organic tomato variant from specialty heirloom growers. The seeds require 8 days to germinate and 80 days to mature. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with mature compost.
Heirloom organic tomatoes are not that difficult to grow in your own garden. By using heirloom organic tomato seeds and good research, you can have a thriving tomato garden the whole year round.
What Is Organic Tomato Food?
One of the requirements of growing organic tomatoes is to use the right type of fertilizer. In this type of tomato growing, a fertilizer is also referred to as organic tomato food. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are the main nutrients in this fertilizer.
You must take note that organic tomato plants love lots of food. The plants will take in almost any type of plant food as they grow. Numerous gardeners apply at least two types of organic tomato food to make sure that all the required nutrients are supplied.
There are various forms of organic tomato food, but you'll often find the best ones in liquid form that can be diluted in water. Fish emulsion is typically in liquid form and you can purchase it if you don't have a recipe. You should follow the instructions in applying this type of tomato plant food to ensure optimum growth and development of your plants.
If your plants are low in minerals, organic tomato food can supply this deficiency. It is essential to use the type of plant food that contains micronutrients and enzymes. Seaweed is one good source of micronutrients and it is also an ingredient in many organic plant foods. But if you already have a liquid form of tomato plant food, you can incorporate seaweed for added nutrients.
Numerous gardeners believe that growing bigger, juicier and more nutritious tomatoes is to spoil your plant in a positive way. Giving your organic tomato plants the right care and attention are keys to better fruit production. This may involve usage of organic pesticides, regular watering, mulching and proper location of your plants. Additions such as using coverings, sheets and shades during high temperatures are very helpful when there's an urgent need.
The organic tomato food that you'll choose should be able to provide the deficient nutrient in your plants. Following the right amount and frequency of application can prevent over-feeding of your plants.
You can be successful in growing organic tomatoes at home. The essential things that you need to cover are - making a plan first, search for necessary info, and learn what's bad and good for this crop.
Why Organic Tomato Juice Is Good For You
The tomato fruit is a versatile ingredient in many dishes, soups and sauces. It is also used in making healthy juices to quench thirst and to provide added nutrition. You can make a difference to your health by drinking a glass of nutrient-rich organic tomato juice.
Organic tomato juice is made from fresh organic tomatoes and other organic flavorings such as fresh or dried herbs. You can either buy them in tin cans or make your own at home if you have a garden of organic tomatoes. You can start making your own juice by boiling the tomatoes until the skins are falling off the fruit. Take the tomatoes from the pot and put them in ice water. Peel off the skins and remove the seeds before placing the tomatoes in a food processor. Add flavoring and chill or add ice.
Some folks like it a little sweet and fruity, so they add some apple or pineapple juice. Others love a little kick so they add a dash of Tabasco and cayenne pepper. Additions such as lemon or lime juice, coriander, a pinch of white pepper, and cumin make an exotic twist to this nutritious drink.
Some people who enjoy a glass or two of organic tomato juice regularly were reported to experience heightened metabolism and energy. Others claimed that they feel healthier each day after drinking in the morning. There are varying effects of organic tomato juice, so it's not easy to assume that you'll experience similar health benefits.
Organic tomato juice provides vitamins A and C, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc and phosphorus. There's also lycopene and antioxidants that can assist your body in fighting certain diseases. Many sources state that tomato-based products such as tomato juice, are ideal for the heart, blood vessels, immune system and digestion. For people who are on weight management programs, the best beverages to take are those that are fresh and natural such as tomato juice.
Organic tomato juice is really worth the try. It is loaded with health benefits and nutrients that are not always found in other juices. Drink a glass today and allow your body to enjoy all the benefits.
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