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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13 Dec 13, Ian hansen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Types tomatoes to grow in summer in sub tropical climate
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13 Dec 13, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm growing roma tomatoes. They are a determinate variety. I kept them in pots for a bit too long before transplanting them. They were still relatively small when they went into the garden. Shortly after transplanting the plants flowered. Now I have one or two small fruit setting on each plant. I will be very disappointed if I only get 2 fruit per plant, so I am thinking of cutting these fruit off, and hoping the plants grow bigger before flowering again. Hopefully next time round I get more fruit. Would this work?
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13 Nov 13, Coral (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Our tomatoes have grown tall, but very few flowers . Have you any advice?
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19 Dec 13, Roachelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Im having the same problem... i have very healthy looking plants .. lots of leaves etc... but hardly any flowers... Ive only gotten 1 fruit off so far. what have i done wrong?
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02 Jan 14, Sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
The tomatoes grow little stems in the corners if other stems, they take much of the nutrients to grow and slow the fruit. If they look like they're not going to fruit, just snap them off. My tomato plants popped up out of nowhere in my dad's yard (presumably a birds dinner one night) so we moved them to my house. When he told me about these little stems I wasn't sure, but I have 3 plants, 2 of which I removed these from and they are fruiting much more efficiently than the one I left alone.
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07 Feb 16, Penny (Australia - temperate climate)
Too tall and leafy usually means too much nitrogen (i.e. richness, fertility). See later comments re ash, minerals etc.
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13 Nov 13, Alan Booth (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Is it possible to grow tomatoes on the south coast of kwa zulu natal in south africa up to the green stage only, as i want bottle green tomato chutney.
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27 Apr 15, paulie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Yup you can grow in KZN south coast, but should now grow indoorts or under cover with winter aproachin Good Luck!
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13 Nov 13, alby (Australia - temperate climate)
tomatos growing with plenty of flowers problem yellow black leaves killing them.would love some tips?
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29 Oct 13, Lorraine (USA - Zone 11a climate)
I live in Miami and my tomato plant (from seed) is about 2-3 feet high now but thin stem, very wiry, all over the place. I have wooden stakes in now, but how long after they reach this height will they have a tomato on it? I planted approx. 10 weeks ago.
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Showing 521 - 530 of 815 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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