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 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches 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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20 Jun 20, ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what fertilizer do tomatoes like ?
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22 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try googling what NPK fertiliser tomatoes like.
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02 May 20, Mike Begley (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I live in the Coastal Overberg Region and planted my tomato seedlings in containers during March. They seem to be doing well at 50cm. Have I planted too late to enjoy more than one harvest?
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05 May 20, Anon (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Plant seeds Aug and transplant from Sept to Nov. If you planted indeterminate kinds of tomatoes they will crop over several months.
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10 Apr 20, Kerry (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Greetings! I'm hoping to start a small organic vegetable garden. Would now be ok to plant tomatoes, lettuce, onion, green pepper etc. I have a partially covered courtyard so I have the option to plant in containers too. Our winters here are not too bad, lovely days, cool/nippy evenings. Please advise. Regards, Kerry.
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14 Apr 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
This website is for people to look up when to plant different vegetables etc. Work out your climate zone and check each vegetable when to plant.
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09 Apr 20, Amana abda seyid (Australia - temperate climate)
I am from ethiopia i went to ask some thing about tomato. My seedling is falldown and gridling of stem at the base in the green house .how can manage these diseases.
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14 Apr 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
Had to say what your problem is, too much water, too little water, too hot. Maybe start again.
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30 Mar 20, Jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
For tomatoes what is the best ph level
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31 Mar 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
6.5 is a common pH level for vegetables and works for tomatoes.
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Showing 141 - 150 of 811 comments
See comments for all plants

Your Blossom end rot could be caused by the small pot. Try a 30L minimum for a tomato of up to 1m, and 50L+ tubs for anything taller. The problem in Northern NZ (Auckland upwards) in the intense heat, humidity, and constant winds on clear days that dry the soil. The soil seesaws from dry to wet, with us trying to compensate the loss three times a day, in small pots. You'll get excellent plants, but blossom end rot, and no useful fruit. I buy seeds from Southern suppliers who have clearly defined seasons in their districts. Here in West Auckland, the sun mid-spring onward is almost too strong for tomatoes (as noted in the comment from The Shore above), and the humidity is oppressive. They are part shade plants here, and 30L is absolute minimum for varieties that suppliers claim can be grown in 18L, or less. This year I'm using no less than 54L each plant, plus grass clipping mulch. So far so good. It's the only way to maintain soil a consistent moisture.

- Lee

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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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