Ask Tom: Losing Tomato Blossoms

Ask Tom: Losing Tomato Blossoms

Dear Tom – The tomato plants in my cold frame are dropping blossoms. What is causing that? — Perplexed in Barnardsville Dear Perplexed – I suspect either heat in the evening or, more likely, the fruit to foliage ratio on your tomato plants. Tomatoes need...
Ask Tom: Ram Pumps

Ask Tom: Ram Pumps

Editor’s note: This month we have a new twist for the Ask Tom column – Tom is asking a question to Walter Harrill of ‘Imaldris Farm about ram pumps — a pump that uses the energy of falling water to pump some of that water to a higher level, without an electric...
Ask Tom: Late Blight on Tomatoes

Ask Tom: Late Blight on Tomatoes

Dear Tom – How do you still have tomatoes in the fall? My plants went down with late blight. — Frustrated Frustrated – For years the only reliable organic solution to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) was spraying copper and growing in a greenhouse or...
Ask Tom: Getting Certified

Ask Tom: Getting Certified

Dear Tom – I am interested in getting certified as an organic producer. How do I select a USDA accredited certification organization? Thanks — Perplexed Dear Perplexed: You have 94 choices for a certifying organization which is accredited by USDA. About half of...
Ask Tom: Losing Tomato Blossoms

Ask Tom: Tools for Transplanting

Dear Tom – I injured my knee right at the beginning of transplant season. I can drag myself along the ground with a seedling tray but that’s really slow. Do you have any suggestions for a mechanical transplanting aid? Thanks — Moses in Curtis Creek   Dear...
Ask Tom: Losing Tomato Blossoms

Ask Tom: Managing Paper and Setting Priorities

I did not receive a question this month so I thought I would ask a question to our readers, “How do you manage paper and set priorities on your farm?” Below I describe a system that I use. Please respond with suggestions or systems that work for you. I am always...
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