Organic Greenhouse Tomatoes from California

Jan. 04, 2011

Today, we'll take you to Southern California for a close-up on organic greenhouse grown tomatoes. This greenhouse, located in Tehachapi, California, is one of the largest producers of greenhouse tomatoes in the United States. Year-round sunlight is key. These tomatoes are 100% organic; they're grown and processed according to standards set by the CCOF. Pests and weeds are managed using earth-friendly means, including beneficial insects like these bees. The bees also play an important role in fertilizing the tomato plants.
Beefsteak, yellow and red tomatoes on the vine are all grown at this greenhouse. The vines are rooted in a growing media composed of coconut husks. The vines are trained to grow in uniform, vertical rows. Water is supplied and monitored by a computer. It takes roughly 9 weeks to produce tomatoes on the vine. Push carts are used during the harvest. Harvesting is performed by hand. Beefsteak and yellow tomatoes are picked before they are fully ripe; they finish ripening once they are packed. At the packing facility, the tomatoes are weighed, and then packed. Beefsteak and red tomatoes on the vine are packed into boxes.