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

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16 Feb 16, Carrie B. (USA - Zone 7b climate)
There is a seed supplier specializing in heirloom in our zone. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Even if you don't buy seed the website and catalog are great resources.
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17 Mar 15, wozza (Australia - tropical climate)
I live near Cairns and my Tomatoes have lots flowers n no fruit .I even got my self a bee hive so I have bees .BUT STILL no fruit .Lots flowers but no Fruit .Is it still to hot ?????.Temp around 32 too 34 through the day n lots Humitity.Cheers
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30 Mar 15, tomato expert qld (Australia - tropical climate)
European bees (if thats what you have in your hive) wont visit tomato flowers.the only bes i know that do are the blue banded native bees which are approx the same size as euro bees.blue banded bees are solitary bees.also a few native stingless bees will visit tomato flower but they are fussy and will only visit high pollen producing tomatoes plant strains. again,tomato plants are self pollinators and dont require bees etc for the pollination of flowers..
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27 Mar 15, tomato expert qld (Australia - tropical climate)
bees are not needed for pollination as tomatoes are self pollinating.your problem is the temps are too high.wait till the end of April as i do every year and you will have fruits in no time.im in cairns.
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21 Mar 15, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Tomatoes will not set on their own in hot weather. Try buzzing the flowers with an old electric toothbrush in the morning to get the pollen onto the stamens
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19 Mar 15, terry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi not sure why you haven't got fruit but i read somewhere tomatoes do not need bees to pollinate
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28 Feb 15, Francis (Australia - temperate climate)
Are tomatoes perennial or annual? I have seen seeds for perennial tomatoes for sale and want to know if it is a scam?
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27 Jan 15, Alan Patterson (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you any tomatoes at this time of the year
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09 Jan 15, Blake (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Got catapillers try Beat a bug natural pesticide and prior to planting tomatoe i mix in a solid amout of cow manure and this seems to work where i am keeping the plant healthy and producing tomatoes
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07 Jan 15, Khing (Australia - tropical climate)
tomato leaves with purplish veins. What could be the causes?
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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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