Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T T T            
      P P              

(Best months for growing Tomato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 8-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Asparagus, Chervil,Carrot, Celery, Chives, Parsley, Marigold, Basil
  • Avoid growing close to: Rosemary, Potatoes, Fennel, Cucumber

Your comments and tips

18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Ross, The white moths will most likely be White Fly which rise in a cloud when disturbed and lnd again fairly soon. A piece of bright yellow plastic or card smeared with petroleum jelly will sort them out. They are attracted to the bright colour and will stick to the greasy surface. it depends on what the small insects are, what to do. If they are a very small fly that can fly forwards, backwards and sideways they will be hover flies. They are beneficial and will be feeding on the white fly or aphids so don't try and get rid of them! If the insects or grubs are chewing the leaves or fruit you could use Yates 'Natures Way'. This is a bacterial spray and is harmless to anything but chewing pests. It is organically approved and is 'safe'. Trust this helps
26 Oct 16, Felicity (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Would love your Tips for growing tomatoes in the cooler climate of the Strathbogie ranges in Victoria. Approx 300 m above sea level We are wondering if we need plastic "igloos" to protect ? And any varieties that would be better suited to this climate Thanks !
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You could try starting off seeds inside in the base of an egg carton in September. That will give you a head start. The soil temperature needs to be 15-17 degrees for them to thrive, usually end of October or early November. Alternatively plant seed of short season varieties like Stupice (60 days). Most varieties that originated in the northern states of America, Canada or Europe will be suitable for a short growing season. Planting them in a sheltered position on a North, North-East or East situation will also help.
15 Oct 16, Di (Australia - temperate climate)
I always choose small, sweet Salerno cherry tomatoes at the shops and would like to grow that variety at home but have been unable to find it anywhere. Do you know if they are available in South Australia? Cheers, Di
21 Oct 16, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
Di, you can save some seed from one or two of the better tomatoes that you buy and grow from them?
24 Oct 16, Dee (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Di. If you try and grow tomatoes from the fruit, just squeeze the whole tomato into the soil and cover. I believe that tomatoes have an enzyme around the seed that stops it from sprouting and growing the whole tomatoe it will rot under the soil and sprout.
25 Sep 16, Karl (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Best varieties for Mozambique will be HTX 14, HTX 14 Turbo and a Brazilian variety Kilele available from Agrifocus Moz. (All determinate). Kilele gave me incredible results of 150 t/ha. They are processing type and need some staking. Moz market wants processing tomato and not round type. Disease control is your main problem due to very high humidity levels. Hope this helps?
09 Dec 16, Derek Bennett (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Dear Karl. I am an ex Zim farmer, 76 yrs old and need to do something to provide for my wife when I m gone. Tomatoes up north in Moz have very good prices. . Any advice you can give me would be truly appreciated. Best regards Derek Bennett
26 Oct 16, Derek Bennett (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. We are in Southern Mozambique, near the coast . We are looking for tomato varities to handle our humid condtions, and should have good leaf cover. Regards Derek Bennett
17 Sep 16, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you control green stink bugs?
Showing 371 - 380 of 804 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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