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

25 Sep 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Go to a nz seed selling website and compare different tomato types. Then pick one or two and try them. Or go to Bunnings or a nursery and ask.
14 Sep 19, Allan Clarke (Australia - temperate climate)
If you freeze tomatoes, then thaw them out, they go all soggy, I believe.
31 Jul 19, Yvette Botha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Which variety tomato will grow best in the Free State
10 Dec 19, Chris Labuschagne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I like to plant Money maker in Pretoria. Ox heart is a traditional variety but it has very low resistance to insects and pests. Be on the lookout for mildew and others as well as bottom end rot. Plan a preventative program. I am using drip irrigation instead of over head.
28 Jul 19, Jameson Ngcobo (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
To treat tomatoes from pets like aphids and red spider. Red spider can finish your plant without even noticing them because they are very small. Your tomatoe leaves becomes yellow and the whole plant ends up dying. Potatoes also have the same problem. You may think they are getting ready. Just use Oleum. It is very good.
22 Jul 19, Gerald Kent (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What is the best tasting tomato to grow in zone 10a in Westlake Village California, area code 91361
10 Aug 20, Gina (USA - Zone 10b climate)
we had great success growing san marzano (redorta) tomatoes... great for homemade pasta sauces!
18 Jul 20, Jessica (USA - Zone 10a climate)
The best tasting tomato depends on what you value in a tomato. There are thousands of tomato varieties and you just need to find one that you like. I suggest you start with indeterminate heirlooms first, unless you a beginner gardener, then I would go with Hybrids. Good luck with your harvests.
23 May 19, Brod (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How can i grow Tomatoes all year round in CHB Do i need a Greenhouse?????? In winter we get regular frosts
23 May 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Tomatoes are frost tender, so yes you need some sort of protection for them, if you want to grow all the year round.
Showing 201 - 210 of 815 comments

I just moved into a new house and have inherited a bit of a garden and some plants. I'm new to gardening but would really like to start growing my own fruit and veg. I have 3 different types of tomatoes - what look like plum, small heirloom ones?? and a more rounder, larger variety (no labels on any). They were a bot worse for wear having sprawled on the ground for a few weeks.... I have tried to save them... they have been staked/supported and dead, browning or "excess" leaves taken off. They do have some fruits on them and more flowers but after 2 weeks they don't seem getting any bigger/riper though leaves still seem to be growing. I'm in Perth and it's starting to cool here. Have I missed the season? Can I get the rest of the tomatos to grow/ripen? And how long can I expect the plants to fruit? Do I need to keep fertilising them, and how often? Also is what do I do with the plant when it does get too cold/it is done fruiting? leave it? Pull it out and start again next year? Cut it back? I know there are a lot of questions but I haven't done this before. ;-) Thanks

- Dani

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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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