This past weekend, local food enthusiasts of all ages gathered at Fat Peach Farm (FPF) to learn about the unique challenges of growing tomatoes outdoors, in the soil. This workshop was part of our Harvesting Knowledge Series: a lineup of nine farm-based events designed to connect people to the heart of the local food system by highlighting the expertise and stories of our region’s farmers and food producers.
Our host, farmer and owner of FPF, Jennifer Wilhelm, led us on a tour of her impeccably maintained and beautifully designed farm, tucked into a few acres that were once just lawn and grass. We were all inspired by the creativity and care that Jennifer and her husband, Micum, have poured into cultivating such a whimsical and productive space. Throughout the tour our group wasn’t shy to ask questions and thankfully Jennifer generously shared her expertise every step of the way.
Among rows of vibrant cut flowers and squash, Jennifer introduced us to her no-till, Permanent Raised Bed (PRB) system. This approach to farming, part of a broader movement in regenerative agriculture, relies on maintaining designated, permanent growing spaces for crops year after year. By avoiding tilling, they minimize soil disturbance, reduce compaction, foster microbial life, and optimize soil structure. The result? Soil that retains moisture, air, and nutrients more effectively while effectively suppressing weeds. You can read more about Jennifer’s research on the topic here.
As with the rest of their crops, the tomatoes at FPF are grown using organic practices. Instead of synthetic pesticides or fungicides, the farm uses methods like crop rotation, spacing, and mulching to manage pests and disease pressure naturally.
For tomatoes grown in open fields, support is key. This year, Micum built a new trellising system using wooden posts and twine (shown in the photo below). Jennifer emphasized the importance of pruning tomato “suckers”, the new shoots that grow at the junction (axil) of a leaf and stem. Removing suckers when they’re still small encourages the plant to produce larger fruit, while leaving them on encourages more fruit overall. And remember: don’t leave those suckers on the ground as they can attract pests and disease!
We ended the workshop with a tomato tasting including beefsteaks, super sweets, Black Krim, and more. While Fat Peach Farm didn’t have enough ripe tomatoes for the whole group this time, we were grateful to Hollister Family Farm (Lee, NH) and Heron Pond Farm (South Hampton, NH) for generously providing their tomatoes for the tasting.
Want to learn more about organic tomato growing? Check out the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) article: 10 Things Every Beginning Gardener Should Know About Growing Tomatoes.
A huge thank-you to Jennifer for hosting and sharing her knowledge. One participant summed it up well: “Jenny was very knowledgeable, kind, and open to answering all of our questions. She has a beautiful farm… I left feeling very inspired.”
Are you a farmer or food producer interested in hosting a workshop with us?
We’d love to hear from you! Email Celeste at [email protected] to learn more.
Thank you to Service Credit Union for sponsoring our Harvesting Knowledge Series workshops.