Gotomato is the business and brainchild of
Steve Goto, the Tomato King!
Steve has been highly influential in introducing heirloom tomatoes to the mainstream market. In the 1980’s, he single-handedly brought heirlooms to the forefront, in southern California, by growing and selling hundreds of varieties. Now, the market for heirlooms has grown tremendously. He is an experienced and highly-qualified tomato and gardening lecturer, as well! Steve tours the west coast, and places beyond, educating the masses on the wonders of tomatoes and other delicious plants. Steve lectures on organic growing techniques, insect and disease control, soil care and much more for not only tomatoes but eggplants, peppers and other heirloom and unusual vegetables.
Steve Goto is a third generation nurseryman with a background in banking. He closed the family business, Goto Nursery, in 2005, after 45 years of business. However, his beautiful heirloom tomatoes were still in high demand, as were Steve’s years of experience and teaching ability. It was then that Gotomato was born, so that Steve could continue his tomato magic. Steve’s expertise is entirely based on experience. His education was in banking, not horticulture but, his knowledge is voluminous. This hands-on information base makes Steve’s lectures unorthodox and unique. He does not follow anyone’s footsteps but teaches purely off of the evidence of his own trials.
Steve leads informative seminars all over the west coast every spring, where he teaches about growing heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and more. In the summer, he and his wife, April to host a second event: The Tomato Tasting! They bring 40-100 varieties of heirloom tomatoes to events throughout the west coast. This free tasting allows folks to see these wonderful varieties on display, as well as taste each one! The tomato tastings help people to get familiar with unusual varieties, so that they may become brave enough to try growing them in their own gardens next year. Steve is also on hand, during the tastings, to answer additional questions and chat about all things growing. These tastings easily turn into a very social, community event as growing tips and recipes are exchanged, including April’s delicious salsa recipes, using the leftover tomatoes.
As an organic grower, the health of the soil and plants are very important to Goto. That’s why he is actively involved with organic product testing and evaluation of new gardening products. His years of experience using these products add to his credibility as a grower and advocate for organic methods.
Currently, Steve’s seedlings can be found in many locations throughout California, distributed by multiple growers. They can also be purchased at any of the lectures he conducts at various garden centers, garden clubs, schools and organizations. Follow Steve’s calendar, Facebook and Twitter to find out where Steve and his tomatoes will be coming soon!
Click here to read Steve Goto’s Extended Biography
