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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30 Mar 20, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up ph levels for vegetables on the net. Then you will know for all vegies.
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04 Mar 20, Anna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My tomato vines are full of fruit, all of it green. I've often had the problem of ending up with lots of unripe fruit at the end of the season so I was wondering it there is a sure-fire way of ripening the tomatoes on the vine before the first frosts?
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30 Mar 20, Eddie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My dad said he used to pull the whole plant out and hang it in a shed and the tomatoes would vine ripen then finish off on the windowsill.
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04 Mar 20, ML (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ethylene gas ripens tomatoes and some other fruit. Add a few bananas to them. Suggest you read up about how to ripen tomatoes on the internet. Read different articles. Also see if you can start your seedlings earlier in future so that they grow/ ripen earlier in future.
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08 Mar 20, anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Also most fruit take a few weeks from being fully developed to then ripen, 3-5 weeks. Same applies to pumpkin, rockmelons, watermelons etc.
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27 Feb 20, Luke (Australia - temperate climate)
Any advice on best cool climate tomato varieties for a greenhouse in Melbourne between March and October? Thanks in advance
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01 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
You are temperate, a greenhouse will raise the temperature in it. Most varieties would grow in it. Ask at your local nursery etc.
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09 Feb 20, WALTER (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hello, what kind of tomato variaties can be grown in East African conditions more so in central Uganda.
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10 Feb 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Look up on the internet or phone seed selling companies. Go to local nurseries and ask.
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08 Feb 20, Igna Prinsloo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I still plant tamatoes beginning February in Bloemfontein
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Showing 151 - 160 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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