Are you ready to grow the biggest, juiciest tomato in town? With the Wakefield Farmers Market just around the corner, it's time to start planning your tomato garden and aiming for glory in the Biggest Tomato Contest at our first Annual Tomato Festival on September 7th!
Why Participate? The Biggest Tomato Contest is not just about bragging rights—it's a celebration of gardening, community, and delicious homegrown produce. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice with a green thumb, this contest is your chance to showcase your skills.
Contest Details:
Date:Â September 7th
Time:Â 9:00am - 10:00am
Location:Â Wakefield Farmers Market
Contest Rules: Before you start planting, make sure you're familiar with the contest rules:
You must have grown the tomato:Â This contest is all about homegrown goodness, so no store-bought tomatoes allowed!
Tomatoes may be heirloom or hybrid, but must be edible:Â Whether you prefer classic heirlooms or hybrid varieties, as long as they're tasty, they're eligible!
Judging Criteria:Â The largest tomato will be judged by weight, so aim for size and heft.
Identification:Â Each tomato must be clearly identified with its variety and your contact information.
Cleanliness:Â Make sure your tomatoes are washed and clean before submission.
Entry Time:Â Bring your tomatoes to the Tomato Festival Tent between 9:00am and 9:45am on September 7th.
Winners Announcement:Â Winners will be announced at 10:00am, so stick around to see if your tomato reigns supreme!
Categories:
Elementary School Students
Youth (Grades 7-12)
Adults (18+)
How to Get Started: Now that you know the rules, it's time to get your hands dirty and start planning your tomato garden:
Choose the Right Varieties: Research different tomato varieties and select ones known for their size and flavor. Big Beef, Mortgage Lifter, and Brandywine are popular choices for large tomatoes.
Provide Proper Care: Ensure your tomato plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients throughout the growing season. Consider using organic fertilizers to promote healthy growth.
Support Your Plants: As your tomato plants grow, provide sturdy support structures such as cages or stakes to prevent them from sprawling and to support heavy fruit.
Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or disease, and take prompt action to address any issues. Prune your plants to encourage airflow and remove any unnecessary foliage.
Harvest at the Right Time: Keep an eye on your tomatoes as they ripen, and harvest them when they reach their full size and color. Handle them with care to avoid bruising or damage.
Join the Fun: Even if you're not participating in the contest, come join us at Wakefield Farmers Market for a day of tomato-themed fun! Sample delicious tomato dishes, shop for fresh produce, and enjoy live entertainment for the whole family.
Don't Miss Your Chance: The Wakefield Farmers Market Tomato Festival and The BIGGEST Tomato Contest are fantastic opportunities to celebrate the joys of gardening and community. So roll up your sleeves, start planning your tomato garden, and get ready to show off your biggest and best tomatoes on September 7th!
For more information about the Tomato Festival and the Biggest Tomato Contest, visit the Wakefield Farmers Market website or contact us directly at wakefieldfarmersmarket@gmail.com. We can't wait to see you there!