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Growing Organic Amish Paste Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Begin seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your estimated final spring frost date. Use a well-draining potting or germinating mix, such as coco coir, to start the seeds. Plant two seeds per cell and cover the seeds. Water with something gentle, such as a mister or spray bottle. The soil should stay moist during germination. Water regularly or use a clear plastic dome to increase humidity and moisture. As soon as the first seedling emerges, ensure the tray receives full sun, either in a sunny windowsill or with grow lights a few inches above the tray. If using, remove the greenhouse dome to increase air circulation once the seedlings grow. Thin the seedlings to one per cell when they have reached two inches tall. Apply an organic liquid feed once they have two sets of true leaves. Transplant the seedlings into larger, 4-inch pots if necessary.

Before transplanting into your garden soil, the seedlings should be hardened off gradually to acclimate to sunnier, windier conditions. Transplant the seedlings into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Bury an organic calcium supplement or finely crushed eggshells in the soil beneath the seedlings. Bury the stems horizontally and pack the soil around the top of the plant to keep it upright. This will encourage more root development off of the buried stem. Remove the lower leaves cast in shade, as they will only take nutrients from the plant and not produce fruit. Top dress with a healthy compost when planting into the garden. Mixing some into the soil prior to planting can also be beneficial. Use a sturdy structure like a tomato cage to support the growing plant. Prune the bush periodically throughout the season to remove suckers and bottom leaves. Top dress with organic fertilizer one to two more times throughout the growing season. Worm castings can be a great option for those without access to organic compost. The ideal soil pH for growth is between 6.0 to 7.0. Water regularly to ensure proper nutrient uptake and avoidance of disease. Avoid soggy soil and splashing water onto the leaves.

Harvesting Organic Amish Paste Tomatoes

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when fully red with no green left on the fruit. Gently twist the fruit off the stem or prune off a cluster. Amish Paste is an indeterminate variety and will have fruit ready to harvest at various times throughout the season. The harvest can last 2-4 months, depending on the growing zone. Harvest the red tomatoes promptly to encourage more fruit to set on and ripen.

About Organic Amish Paste Tomato Garden Seeds

Amish paste tomatoes are heirloom tomatoes with a long history dating back to the 1870s. The variety's name comes from its origin within an Amish farming community in Wisconsin.

High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Organic Amish Paste tomatoes can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. They are excellent sources of vitamins C, A, and K and lycopene, an antioxidant that is good for heart health. Amish Paste tomatoes also have potassium, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6.

Indeterminate variety tomatoes need more structural support than determinate tomatoes. Indeterminates will continue to grow all season long until the frost kills them. This allows for a longer harvest, but they require more support. There are many solutions to finding the right support system, but popular choices include stacking tomato cages and the string and post method.

Some helpful products for growing tomatoes from seed include our seed starting trays, humidity domes, coco coir minute soil, and Boost MaxPro Grow Lights.

Organic Amish Paste tomatoes are recommended for field and garden plot growing. They produce one of the largest paste-type tomatoes on the market, weighing 6-8 ounces each! Amish paste is also one of the sweetest paste tomatoes, which makes it ideal for multiple uses, such as tomato sauces, stews, and fresh eating.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"A versatile tomato such as Amish paste is a great option for someone wanting to get into food preparation and preservation but without compromising the magical field-warm fresh eating tomato. Amish Paste is a great all-in-one! "

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Organic Amish Paste Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg packet - Approximately 88 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 Organic Amish Paste Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.