May tomato school offers tours, updates

LINDA GEIST

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

University of Missouri Extension’s annual Missouri Tomato School returns May 16-18 to give growers tried and true methods to improve their crops.

“Tomatoes are Missouri’s biggest-selling specialty crop, but they can be challenging to grow successfully,” says MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay. “We want to help Missouri growers take their tomato crop to the next level.”

The hybrid class kicks off May 16 with a lecture that can be attended via livestream or in person in St. Louis. On May 17, MU Extension offers farm visits in the St. Louis region. On May 18, attendees have a choice of farm visits in the Springfield or Centralia area.

The Missouri Tomato School brings together national and regional experts to share the latest best practices and time-honored methods, Keay says.

Nationally recognized tomato experts Rick Snyder, University of Mississippi professor emeritus, and Joe Kemble, Auburn University professor emeritus, will join regional experts and farmers for a variety of classes about tomato production. Topics include plasticulture, growing in high tunnels and greenhouses, fertility management, pests, post-harvest management and more.

Find details and registration at http://muext.us/MoTomatoSchool2023(opens in new window). ∆

LINDA GEIST: University of Missouri