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Growing Organic Rutgers Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Start with organic Rutgers tomato seeds, which are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or GMOs. Using organic seeds ensures your garden is organic from the very beginning. Sow these seeds indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost, in an organic seed starting mix. This mix should be free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, giving your seedlings a healthy, natural start.

Use rich, organic soil when preparing the garden or containers for your Rutgers tomatoes. Incorporating homemade compost can significantly improve soil fertility and structure, promoting vigorous plant growth. Organic fertilizers, derived from natural sources, can also be added to give your plants the nutrients they need without resorting to artificial chemical fertilizers. Regularly adding organic matter helps maintain soil health and supports beneficial microorganisms.

Organic gardening means saying “no” to synthetic pesticides. Instead, focus on preventive measures like crop rotation and companion planting to deter pests. For instance, planting marigolds around your tomatoes can repel nematodes and other pests. If pests do appear, use organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soaps. For diseases like blight, ensure good air circulation around plants and practice proper watering techniques to keep foliage dry.

Like all tomatoes, Rutgers tomatoes thrive on consistent moisture, especially when forming fruits. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing water waste and preventing leaf diseases. Mulching with organic materials such as straw or shredded leaves helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually adds nutrients back into the soil as it decomposes.

Rutgers tomatoes need full sun to flourish, requiring at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In your organic garden, ensure they’re planted where they’ll receive ample light. Even though Rutgers tomatoes are determinate and don’t grow as large as indeterminate varieties, they still benefit from support. Use organic materials like bamboo stakes or untreated wooden trellises to keep them upright. This not only helps with air circulation but also makes harvesting easier and prevents fruit from touching the ground, where it can become susceptible to pests and rot.

Harvesting Rutgers Organic Tomatoes

After 80-90 days, your patience and dedication will be rewarded with bright, flavorful Rutgers tomatoes. Harvest them when they’re fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Organic gardening doesn’t just stop at harvest. Continue the cycle by composting plant debris and planning your garden to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

About Organic Rutgers Tomato Garden Seeds

Arguably one of the most significant tomatoes in American agriculture, Rutgers tomato seeds were the preeminent crop of commercial farming before the advanced industrialization of the 20th century. Rutgers was first developed in 1934 by Rutgers University in conjunction with Campbell's Soup to provide a superior, uniquely American tomato seed for the public.

The Rutgers tomato, a determinate variety, is a true gem in the garden. Unlike its indeterminate siblings that continuously grow and bear fruit throughout the season, determinate tomatoes like Rutgers grow to a fixed height and produce a single, glorious flush of fruit.

While the Rutgers tomato heirloom seed variety was originally released by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) in 1934 as a cultivar developed to thrive in New Jersey, it can be grown in all USDA hardiness zones as an annual during the frost-free growing season. The Rutgers tomato variety is resistant to Verticillium wilt (V), Fusarium wilt (F), and Alternaria stem canker (A).

The tomato is the quintessential staple of summer gardening and perhaps offers the most seed diversity among all seasonal fruits. Available in an astonishing variety of color, shape, and size, the tomato is a high-heat and full sun favorite that thrives in container and patio gardening.

Offering firm, red tomatoes with a mild taste and weight between 6 and 8 oz, the Rutgers tomato variety is excellent for canning, juicing, and fresh eating. The determinate growth habit makes it easy to grow Rutgers tomatoes in containers and gardens alike.

Cover crops can significantly enhance tomato soil structure and fertility. They add organic matter to the soil as they decompose, which improves soil texture, water retention, and aeration. This creates a better environment for tomato roots to grow.

The Rutgers tomato once accounted for 70 percent of the processed tomatoes in the United States.

The Rutgers tomato is known to do well in the cool climates of the upper East Coast. It does extremely well in the South and is mentioned in old catalogs many times as being grown in Texas.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you’re looking for a tried and true tomato variety, Rutgers is a great option for southern and eastern gardeners. It won’t let you down if you give it the right conditions."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Organic Rutgers Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 106 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Rutgers Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.