By Blake Jackson
The annual Tomato Festival in Columbia will mark its 20th anniversary when it returns to the University of Missouri’s Jefferson Farm and Garden on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Launched in 2005, the festival has grown from a small community tomato tasting into a major event that now highlights more than 150 tomato varieties along with peppers, ground cherries, and other produce.
Tim Reinbott, MU Extension director of field operations and one of the festival’s original organisers, says this year’s theme is “20 Lessons Learned in 20 Years,” blending farming insights with the festival’s lively traditions.
“The Tomato Festival has always been about more than tasting tomatoes,” Reinbott said. “It’s about sharing knowledge, celebrating agriculture and connecting people to where their food comes from. This year, we’re honoring everything we’ve learned along the way.”
Guests will have the chance to taste both heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, sample peppers, and explore the hot pepper tent. Educational features will cover topics such as the difference between determinate and indeterminate plants, the benefits of mulching, and strategies to combat tomato hornworms.
The festival also offers cooking demonstrations, salsa tastings, children’s activities, guided tours, and practical tips from experts. Visitors can learn about cover crops, discover why calcium nitrate boosts tomato sweetness, and take home advice for their own gardens.
The MU Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center is located at 4800 New Haven Road, Columbia.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-bastetamn
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables