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Growing Amish Paste Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
Begin seeds indoors about 6-9 weeks before your estimated final spring frost date. Use a well-draining potting or germinating mix 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. Fertilize 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 a calcium powder or finely crushed eggshells in the soil beneath the seedlings. Bury the stems a few inches deep to encourage more root development. Remove the lower leaves cast in shade, as they will only take nutrients from the plant and not produce fruit. Fertilize with compost or other granular fertilizer when planting into the garden. 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. Fertilize once more in mid-season. 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 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 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.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Amish Paste tomatoes can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. They are excellent sources of vitamins C, A, and K and an antioxidant called lycopene, which is good for the heart. 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. 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 are our seed starting trays, humidity domes, coco coir minute soil, Boost MaxPro Grow Lights, and worm castings, which are a great alternative to the compost.
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 and fresh eating.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Because Amish Paste Tomatoes were discovered in an Amish farming community in Wisconsin, these are ideal for all those midwestern summer gardens. However, they can thrive in many gardens across the United States!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Amish Paste Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g packet - Approximately 350 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 Amish Paste Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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