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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05 Jun 24, Melissa (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I started my seeds back in January and transplanted them out mid-march like the diagram said. However, it does show you can plant them in April, but I would be careful because just as they are starting to take off the heat and humidity will be setting in. Depending on the variety most plants will not produce fruit when temperatures are consistently about 90 degrees. Which we are almost there in our zone. Adding shade over them can help! Otherwise, I use the tapping method to aid with pollination :).
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08 May 24, Carla Stacy (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I’m growing tomatoes in a 5 gallon bucket. I have flowers but no fruit. Planted April 19th. Last year same thing lots of flowers but no fruit. What am I doing wrong?
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30 May 24, Ali T (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Do you see any pollinators? Try using a tiny paint brush to mix pollen on each flower.
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27 May 24, Victor (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Just lightly tap the flowers in order to pollinate them and they will form tomatoes.
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19 May 24, s ott (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Try watering with a mixture of epsom salt (1 Tbsp per gal of water). Also, if you,ve seen the banana peel water combination I swear by these two methods. I have the biggest plants and the tomatoes are just loaded on every single plant. It works great for peppers too!
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12 May 24, Texas Grown (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Maybe you don't have enough pollenators. Have flowers around. Make sure you're not spraying something that kills or repels pollinators.
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11 May 24, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Try a bit of pot ash or potassium.
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21 Mar 24, Louise Shaw (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Can I grow tomatoes all year round and do they reproduce
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05 Apr 24, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Read the notes here for cool mountain areas. Plant spring 8-17 until harvest and then pick for a few months ??? Tomatoes left on the ground will self germinate when the soil temperature is right for germination.
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19 Mar 24, warren (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
i would like to grow tomatos over winter in a glass house..any tips on what type
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Showing 11 - 20 of 805 comments
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You can look up the germination (seed hatching) temperature for various vegetables online. Compare this temperature to your soil temperature (even your air temperature to get an idea) -- the germination temperature needs to be met and sustained for the seeds to germinate (in addition to water, soil and presence of light for some shallow planted seeds). Most likely you will still benefit from starting indoors -- it all depends on temperatures AND which veggies you are planting - some veggies seeds have fairly low germination temps - beans, chard, mustard etc. Other veggies have very high germination temps: tomatoes, peppers etc. Remember that the germination temp needs to not only be met, it needs to be sustained. Since you can control your inside temperature - I would start my seeds indoors -- and potentially add a heating pad under the seedling tray. If you plant outdoors you can use a tarp to help warm the soil; I prefer clear elevated about 6" above the ground (like a green house) to help warm the soil when the sun hits it
- Celeste Archer

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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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