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

01 Sep 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Plant in a fine potting mix or similar soil (light and free draining) or a mixture of soil and potting mix about 1/4
09 Aug 21, Lonnie quick (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Plants are growing great but not too many tomatoes are setting. Any ideas? it has been a 100 degrees (37C) almost every day. I water every day with drip about 1 1/2 gallons per plant thank you
13 Aug 21, Martha (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi Lonnie, Tomatoes really don't set fruit above 85 degrees or so. If you keep it going though it should start to produce for you this fall.
19 Jul 21, Jan Shearer-Paulson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you please recommend a tomato variety which will grow, in-spite of cool nights (WANAKA)
18 Aug 21, Philip Wills (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Maybe Baxter's Early or Russian Red
21 Jul 21, (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Are you cool mountain or temperate. That will determine your planting time. Plant whatever variety you like.
16 Jun 21, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can you recommend some determined tomato that can be grown in zone 9. Thanks.
28 May 21, Josef (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hello, i read that i can plant tomatoes until the end of mai but most people say that i need to transplant my tomatoes until march. I bought 8 tomatoe plants (1 determined, 3 cherry tomatoes, 4 beefstake or normal sized tomatoes) will the produce any tomatoes? And if not should i try to keep them alive for the fall season (by putting them in the shade or my garage or inside my home)?
01 Jun 21, Anthony (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Josef, Tomatoes in 9a or 9b can almost be grown every month, but tomatoes die if there is a frost, and stop growing/producing if the temperature is above 95F. Since this the beginning of summer, it is not advisable to plant tomatoes until after the heat of summer. If you have young tomatoes planted try and shade them, or keep them healthy so they can resume growing after the summer heat has passed.
06 Mar 21, Abby (USA - Zone 10a climate)
My tomato plants are ready to go into raised bed. But the temperature drops to mid 40s at night. Is it okay to plant them out yet. Thanks
Showing 81 - 90 of 801 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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