Why? It is nor easy to grow it organically because pests love it - take your choice: white flies, aphids, grasshoppers, mealybugs, sooty mold and others. Hence pest control is important. It also requires good, balanced fertilisation to produce a healthy, fruiting plant. However, if the plant is healthy and an organic pest control routine is implemented, the rewards are great.Everyone knows tomatoes are good for you: rich source of vitamin A, C, enzymes like lycopene and other nutrients. The taste of vine-ripened tomato is simply delicious. Growing your own organically allows you to reap these benefits without the toxic chemicals either in the growing stages or after harvest to preserve its appearance.
I always opt for non-GMO tomato seeds, preferring to select one of the many hybrids available. It takes 3-7 days for the seed to germinate. I germinate them in individual polybags to reduce stress on the plant when I want to transplant them. The plants can be grown in containers or in the ground and they require support as they grow. Hence, I will always set the support system from when the plant is a seedling to prevent undue breakages or toppling. The soil mixture I use is always one that is rich in organic matter with some sand and not heavy clay. This always for the soil to retain moisture without clogging the plant root system. I just water it once a day, always in the morning, although when we have very hot spells, I will also water it in the early evening.
I have always wondered why the term "vine-ripened" tomato was use as I didn't associate it with a "vine" plant like grapes. In my latest planting, I finally saw why and saw proof of why this plant care regime was better, My previous planting efforts always seem to have one main stem with some branches. This time around, I saw lots of offshoots at from the main stem and also on the branches, making the plant growth seeming to be haywire making using a single stake support system not viable. As I was testing different ways to provide support for the plant, I found that having a line support system works well as it allowed for the vine to grow how it wants and yet have a support. I just use rafia strings (tali rafia) and strung it along with ends tied to supporting poles - a simple and inexpensive way of providing support to the plant.
My pest control regime consisted of varying amounts of borage, citronella and enzyme concentrate diluted with water and sprayed on the plant twice a week - hence making it an pampered plant. Controlling pests is key to having a great tomato to harvest as these pest will damage the plants and fruits. I vary the herbal ingredients as I do not want the pests to develop resistance to it hence the concentration of each component is varied often. It is important to spray under the leaves as well as all over the plant. As you need to frequently spray the pest control solution, by using organic sprays, there is no need to worry about eating fruits that have just been sprayed, unlike when you use chemical pesticides. I will also periodically remove yellowed-leaves.
I have experimented with many types of organic fertilisers as well as frequency of fertilising. What I have had most success with is a combination of fish amino acids with magnesium and enzymes including EM1 applied on a weekly basis. Periodically, when the roots appear at the surface, I will top-up with soil mixed with organic matter and chicken or goat manure. These fertilising regime encourages flowering and fruiting with the necessary nutrient support.
It takes a few weeks from once the initial fruit forms to actual harvest. Personally, I like to leave it until it has turned red as I find the sweetest and rich taste is when it is left to be ripened on the vine.
My preference is to eat it raw, often with some grated mozzarella cheese on top without any other seasoning. The contrast of the sweet and tart flavour of the tomato against the creamy and slightly salty taste of the mozzarella is simply delicious. Consuming it raw also retains maximum nutrition.
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