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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02 Aug 20, Bruce (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Will a plastic grow tent protect seedlings from frost
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03 Aug 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Maybe if it is totally air tight. You are really stacking the odds up against yourself. It is recommended to start planting seeds in Oct/Nov in cool/mountain NZ and you are trying to grow them in winter. More chance of a good crop when the conditions are with you than against you.
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31 Jul 20, Dennis Naidoo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to plant tomatoes in containers due to know space in my backyard. What size container can I use and what nutrients should I feed my tomato plants. Also what fertilizer can be used. Regards Dennis
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03 Aug 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
My daughter recommends a big container, about 30+ liters. A general all round garden fertiliser, make sure you mix about 2-3 handfuls into the soil before you put the soil in the container.
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30 Jul 20, lisa johnson (USA - Zone 8b climate)
cannot get my tomatoes to form fruit - in large containers - dropping flowers before forming - all varieties - healthy plants but no fruit - extremely hot in Southern Alabama with humidity and good rain - what times of year are best to plant —please advise!
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10 Feb 21, Kent (USA - Zone 10a climate)
You are probably right about it being too hot. If they are in pots try moving them to get some shade earlier or later in the day. If they are in pots maybe try a bigger pot size. It might help to dissipate heat better with more evaporation longer water retention in the deepest part of the pot.
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10 Aug 20, Janelle (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I just pull mine for the same reason. Is too hot to fruit. When the flower form the sun burn it. And the rain doesn't help much. If you are able to move it under a roof and keep it with sunlight, you may hold on until it gets cooler. It will produce then. Also it is time to start sowing tomatoes seeds indoor or in shade. Good luck!
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22 Jun 20, Razan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
How much daily watering is necessary for growing tomatoes inside greenhouse in black plastic bags?
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24 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Little seedlings/plants need a light watering each day - if hot twice a day. Bigger plants need a good watering each 2-3 days. For pots - you need to check the top 10-20mm of soil to see if it is wet or dry. If dry then water. The size of the plant and pot will decide how often you water. You want your soil moist not wet wet. It is a bit of trial and error until you work it out.
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20 Jun 20, ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what fertilizer do tomatoes like ?
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Showing 121 - 130 of 799 comments
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Frank, I used to live in Canberra and the rule of thumb was that you shouldn't plant your tomatoes until you know the winner of the Melbourne Cup. But if you are growing them from seed, you can get them started earlier if you have a nice sunny window sill. Basically, you don;t want the frost to get them so if you do plant them out just keep an eye on the weather and cover them up if it looks like frost.

- Grahame

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