Tomato

[Summer 2017 & 2018 – Columbus, OH]

First, we made few raised beds for tomatoes and then mixed powdered eggshells into the soil. Eggshells are a good source of calcium that helps to prevent blossom end rot conditions. After that, we sprinkled the seeds on the bed and covered with a thin layer of soil. We used bamboo sticks to support the tomato vines and removed extra suckers to get a good harvest. Tomato plants don’t want a lot of water; therefore, watering depends on the weather. Zinnias and marigold were grown to attract beneficial predators such as ladybugs and wasps to control aphids and hornworms. We grew the two varieties, beefsteak tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes during the summer.

Tomatoes are rich with nutrients such as vitamin A, C & K, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, dietary fiber, and protein. They help to prevent cancer, improve vision, protect the heart, keep the digestive system healthy, and help to maintain healthy teeth, bones, hair, and skin.

Homegrown organic tomatoes are tastier than the store brought ones. So it is always better to grow more tomatoes and preserve them until the next growing season. We can preserve them as frozen tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, tomato jam or as tomato sauce.