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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27 Mar 15, tomato expert qld (Australia - tropical climate)
try adding trace elements.you can buy trace elements from places like bunnings etc.sounds like iron-boron- deficiency to me.
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10 Jan 15, Yuri Dreason (Australia - temperate climate)
I dare say it is either psyllids feeding on your plants or a deficiency in phosphorus.
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16 Dec 14, Kevin Spencer (Australia - temperate climate)
Try Dipel, it is an environmentally friendly product which is dynamite with caterpillars.
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13 Dec 14, kevin spencer (Australia - temperate climate)
My tomatoes (mortgage lifter) are growing and flowering but not setting fruit. Are they dependent on bees? If so can I manually pollinate?
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09 Jan 15, Nathalie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. I have read that before the flowers open, you gently tap the flowers branch so that they gently vibrate and that apparently pollinates them.
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29 Nov 14, Michael J Garrett (Australia - tropical climate)
As I suffer from Gout.I am looking for a non or low acidic tomato plant,which will grow in Cairns Qld Humid Clmate. Regards Mike
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31 Dec 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Michael :) I lovvvvveee non acidic tomatoes and as far as I am aware, Roma tommies are the only ones with no acid :) Good luck !!
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20 Nov 14, Shaun (Australia - temperate climate)
Try scattering a handful of lime around the base of your plants and water it in and also as Derbyiter mentioned, some ash from burnt, untreated wood. Has done wonders for my tomatoes. Comfrey tea will set them free.
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13 Nov 14, Greg (Australia - temperate climate)
Can over feeding with seasol curl new growth leaves on tomatoes.
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05 Jan 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hmmmm I am having the same problem and am also using Seasol Might try changing to another brand
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Showing 471 - 480 of 815 comments
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I sow mine in late Sept in trays which i then put in the bottom of a large Sistema container with lid...I pop this out in the sun during day...moving lid around for heat and close it at night...if really cold pop in shed with a blanket....or do the same in the tunnel house....it double walls/protects...you can always throw a rug over the sistema for extra....in the morning undo the sistena and before long you have healthy plants. When planting out, i use cardboard boxes to cover at night, as less condensation and if really cold night.....pop that big Sistema over the cardboard box...really helps with protection. Had great sucess over the last few years. Also put sheep dags over the soil in the winter and dig them in before planting out...great microbiome and nitrogen for soil.

- Tania from Hyde

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