How Coastal Organics Grows Premium Organic Tomatoes with PyroAg Wood Vinegar

Producing premium organic tomatoes requires more than careful crop management. It starts with healthy soils, balanced plant nutrition and a farming system that supports long-term productivity.

For Neil Schiller of Coastal Organics, building healthy soils has always been central to growing tomatoes renowned for their flavour and quality. As part of that approach, PyroAg Wood Vinegar has become an important component of the farm's soil and crop management program.

Used alongside natural fertilisers and biological soil management practices, PyroAg supports the productive growing environment that has helped establish Coastal Organics as a respected supplier of premium organic tomatoes.

Neil Schiller at Coastal Organics, where healthy soils and biological farming practices support the production of premium organic tomatoes on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.

About Coastal Organics

Located at Boars Plains on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, Coastal Organics is a 20-acre organic farming enterprise operated by Neil Schiller.

The business grows tomatoes across 10 greenhouses, supplying premium produce to:

• Hotels

• Restaurants

• Hospitals

• Government departments

Neil's tomatoes are recognised for their rich flavour and quality, reflecting years of refining the farm's growing system.

Building Healthy Soils

Neil believes exceptional tomatoes begin with exceptional soil.

Over many years he has refined a growing program focused on improving soil biology rather than simply increasing fertiliser inputs.

Ground preparation plays a central role in that philosophy, combining high-quality natural fertilisers with PyroAg Wood Vinegar to create conditions that support healthy plants from the ground up.

Rather than searching for quick fixes, Neil has continually refined his soil management practices through experience and observation.

Integrating PyroAg into the Growing Program

PyroAg Wood Vinegar is applied throughout the production cycle.

Neil uses:

• Heavy applications approximately one month before planting

• Lighter applications every week during crop production

This consistent approach supports the biological activity within the soil while fitting naturally into routine greenhouse management.

Supporting Soil Biology

One of the reasons Neil continues using PyroAg is its role in supporting beneficial soil biology.

According to Neil, PyroAg contributes to:

• Healthy soil ecology

• Beneficial bacteria

• Balanced soil conditions

• Stronger plant growth

Maintaining this biological balance has become one of the foundations of the Coastal Organics production system.

Managing Whitefly Pressure

Whitefly had previously been one of the farm's ongoing production challenges.

Neil found that combining PyroAg Wood Vinegar with sulphur contributed to a significant reduction in whitefly pressure.

He also believes healthier plants with improved sugar levels became less attractive to pests, helping maintain productive crops throughout the growing season.

These observations reinforced his confidence in continuing the program.

Fifteen Years of Refinement

Neil describes the current production system as the result of more than fifteen years of continual improvement.

Working alongside PyroAg distributor John Norton, he gradually refined the balance between soil biology, nutrition and crop management.

Rather than relying on a single product, PyroAg forms part of an integrated system that supports healthy soils and productive tomato plants.

Growing Premium Tomatoes

Neil believes successful organic farming requires growers to understand every aspect of their crop.

That attention to detail has helped Coastal Organics build a reputation for producing tomatoes with exceptional flavour while maintaining healthy soils that continue to perform season after season.

As Neil explains:

"Ground preparation is the key to our success. Using good natural fertilisers and PyroAg is the combination I need in order to take care of the soil health."

For Coastal Organics, PyroAg has become one of the practical tools supporting that long-term philosophy.

Key Takeaways

• 20-acre organic tomato farm on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula

• Tomatoes grown across 10 greenhouses

• Heavy application before planting followed by weekly applications

• Supports beneficial soil biology and healthy plant growth

• Used alongside natural fertilisers and sulphur

• Grower observed reduced whitefly pressure

• Integrated into a long-term organic production system

Download the PDF Case Study

Download the original Coastal Organics case study to learn more about Neil Schiller's tomato production program and his experience using PyroAg Wood Vinegar.