Jim Z's Tomato Showdown
Jim Z’s Tomato Showdown is your chance to grow the best tomato around for a shot at winning a $1,000 cash prize! Tomatoes will be judged based on appearance, plant size, fruit size, yield, and flavor (Finalists Only).
To enter, fill out the form below and submit a photo of your tomato, a couple of photos of your tomato plant, and your tomato’s name. Extra points will be awarded for creative names, so have fun with it!
Whether you’re growing a giant slicer, a colorful heirloom, or your tastiest backyard tomato yet, we can’t wait to see what you grow.
• The prize is $1,000 in cash, generously provided by Jim Zamzow, to be awarded to the winner of the “best tomato plant” contest selected in September of this year.
• Each participant can choose only 1 tomato plant to enter the competition and is limited to 1 entry per participant. Entry into the competition is free.
• Employees may enter a separate, company-exclusive competition.
• A winner will be determined by their tomato plant’s performance in several categories, including vertical height and size, lbs of yield, health of plant, and usage of natural fertilizer. Special attention will be paid to the height and size of the tomato plant and lbs of yield. Finalists will also be judged by the taste and quality of tomatoes produced by their plant.
• June 30th is the deadline to fill out and submit registration online to participate in the competition. Registration is free.
• Customers must send in 3 check-in photos taken of their tomato throughout the season to be considered eligible to win.
• Check-in photos are due for each participating plant by July 10th, August 1st, and September 1st via email sent to Tomato@zamzows.com. Failure to submit 3 check-in photos by their corresponding deadlines may result in disqualification.
• Check in photos emailed to Tomato@zamzows.com and should be titled using the following format: “Zamzows Tomato Competition 2026 First name, Last name”
• 3 finalists will be determined by their September 1st check-in photos, then assessed in person by a panel of judges, with the primary judge being Jim Zamzow.
• Participants are encouraged to use Zamzows fertilizer or other natural products to grow their tomatoes, but are not required to exclusively use Zamzows fertilizer products to grow their tomatoes.
• To be judged as a finalist, a participant must be within 30 miles of a Zamzows retail location. Participants must live in the state of Idaho to participate.
• By participating in this competition, the participant grants permission for Zamzows Inc to use their name, likeness, and submitted photos on their social media sites, websites, and in other marketing materials. A participant may contact the company in writing if they would like a photo of themselves or their tomato removed within 10 days for removal.
Please send questions and concerns to Tomato@zamzows.com
Happy Tomato Growing! -Zamzows Team
Competition Categories
Appearance:
Tomatoes will be judged on overall visual quality, including color, shape, and smoothness. Healthy, vibrant tomatoes with standout visual appeal will score highest.
Yield:
Contestants will earn points based on the productivity of their tomato plants. Judges will consider how many tomatoes the plant produces and the overall health.
Plant Size:
We will look at overall plant vigor and fullness. A plant of impressive size, with strong stems, healthy foliage, and vigorous growth, will help boost your overall score.
Fruit Size:
We will account for different plant types. Judges will measure and compare tomato size, rewarding growers who produce large fruit.
Flavor (Finalists):
Top finalists will participate in a taste test where flavor becomes the deciding factor.
The Tomato Growers Collection
About Jim
Jim Zamzow is the eldest grandson of the founders of Zamzows Inc. and grew up working in the family business. He and his brother, Rick, expanded the company's focus from fuel and animal feed to a lawn, garden, and pet superstore. In 1990, Jim became the media spokesman for Zamzows on radio and television commercials and has since propelled Zamzows to become a household name across the Treasure Valley.
