How to Plant Amish Paste Tomatoes

Amish Paste tomatoes are a variety of heirloom tomatoes that originated from Amish communities in the United States. They have a unique flavor and are perfect for making tomato paste and sauces. Planting Amish Paste tomatoes in your garden is not difficult, but it does require specific preparation and care. Here are some tips on how to plant Amish Paste tomatoes:

Choose the Right Spot

The first step to growing healthy Amish Paste tomatoes is to choose the right spot in your garden. These tomatoes require full sun, so it's best to plant them in an area that gets at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Amish Paste tomatoes also need well-drained soil, so make sure the area you choose has good drainage or consider planting them in raised beds.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting Amish Paste tomatoes, it's important to prepare the soil. These tomatoes grow best in soil that's rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare the soil, you can add compost, aged manure, or other organic materials to improve the soil's fertility. You can also adjust the pH of the soil by adding lime or sulfur according to your soil test results.

Plant the Tomatoes

After preparing the soil, it's time to plant the Amish Paste tomatoes. Start by digging a hole that's about two times wider than the root ball of the tomato plant. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down around the plant to remove any air pockets.

Water and Fertilize

Once you have planted the Amish Paste tomatoes, it's important to water them regularly. These tomatoes need about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the plants to develop root rot. In addition to watering, you can also fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Prune and Support

To encourage healthy growth and fruit production, it's important to prune and support the Amish Paste tomatoes. Start by removing the suckers or side shoots that develop between the main stem and the branches. These suckers can compete for nutrients and reduce the overall productivity of the plant. You can also use tomato cages or stakes to support the plants and prevent them from falling over during heavy winds or rains.

Harvest the Tomatoes

After about 80-85 days of planting, the Amish Paste tomatoes should be ready to harvest. You can tell when the tomatoes are ripe by checking their color and firmness. Ripe tomatoes should have a deep red color and be slightly soft to the touch. To harvest the tomatoes, simply twist them gently off the stem. You can store the tomatoes at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Planting Amish Paste tomatoes can be a rewarding experience for any home gardener. By following these simple tips, you can grow healthy and flavorful tomatoes that are perfect for making sauces and pastes. Just remember to choose a sunny spot, prepare the soil, water and fertilize regularly, prune and support the plants, and harvest the tomatoes when they are ripe.