The Frontier Extension District will host an educational program on growing and caring for tomatoes, one of the most popular backyard garden crops. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2026, at the Wellsville Library.
Participants will learn best practices for growing tomatoes throughout the season and hear about current tomato grafting research conducted at the K-State Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center. Featured speaker Dr. Cary Rivard will share insights from his work and ongoing research.
Lauren Gammill, horticulture and natural resources agent for the Frontier Extension District, said she is pleased to welcome Dr. Rivard back to the area. Dr. Rivard earned both his master’s and Ph.D. in plant pathology from North Carolina State University, where his research focused extensively on tomatoes. He now leads applied research and extension programming for fruit and vegetable production, with an emphasis on grafted tomatoes for both organic and conventional systems.
Tomatoes remain a favorite among gardeners, with more than 10,000 varieties grown worldwide.
From large slicing tomatoes to small, sweet cherry types, they can be grown in a variety of settings—including gardens, containers, patios, and greenhouses—making them accessible to gardeners of all experience levels.
The program is open to everyone, from experienced growers to those considering planting their first tomatoes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take home a tomato plant.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Lauren Gammill at the Frontier Extension District office in Ottawa at 785-229-3520.
