Tomatoes in The Ozarks

The program covers:

• The history and domestication of tomatoes, including their relationship to the nightshade family
• Seed selection and variety choice, including early‑maturing options and disease‑resistant varieties
• Starting tomatoes from seed or plugs and avoiding common planting mistakes
• Soil fertility and fertilizer math, with clear explanations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium management
• Preventing blossom end rot, fruit cracking, and other physiological disorders
• Proper staking, caging, trellising, and pruning for determinate and indeterminate tomatoes
• Identification and management of weeds, insects, and diseases common in the Ozarks
• Practical irrigation strategies to support consistent growth and fruit quality [tomato class | PowerPoint]

A key focus of the program is explaining why the Missouri Ozarks is especially well‑suited for tomato production, highlighting naturally calcium‑rich soils and how proper pH and moisture management help plants access those nutrients.

Friday May 1, 2026

West Plains Extension Center 

1376 Bill Virdon, Blvd

West Plains, MO 65775

417-256-2391

Cost - $5 to attend.

Door prizes will be available