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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24 Oct 16, Dee (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Di. If you try and grow tomatoes from the fruit, just squeeze the whole tomato into the soil and cover. I believe that tomatoes have an enzyme around the seed that stops it from sprouting and growing the whole tomatoe it will rot under the soil and sprout.
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25 Sep 16, Karl (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Best varieties for Mozambique will be HTX 14, HTX 14 Turbo and a Brazilian variety Kilele available from Agrifocus Moz. (All determinate). Kilele gave me incredible results of 150 t/ha. They are processing type and need some staking. Moz market wants processing tomato and not round type. Disease control is your main problem due to very high humidity levels. Hope this helps?
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09 Dec 16, Derek Bennett (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Dear Karl. I am an ex Zim farmer, 76 yrs old and need to do something to provide for my wife when I m gone. Tomatoes up north in Moz have very good prices. . Any advice you can give me would be truly appreciated. Best regards Derek Bennett
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26 Oct 16, Derek Bennett (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. We are in Southern Mozambique, near the coast . We are looking for tomato varities to handle our humid condtions, and should have good leaf cover. Regards Derek Bennett
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17 Sep 16, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you control green stink bugs?
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19 Oct 16, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, The best way is to squash them by hand in the evenings (or use gloves if you're squeamish), they are easier to catch later in the day. You end up decimating the population and at the same time you inspect the plant (when you are looking for the bugs). It takes 3 or 4 nights, then they are gone.
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17 Sep 16, Bob Billingham (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Cairns Nth Qld, which are the best varieties of tomato to grow in my area? Can I grow tomatoes all year if which varieties. Cheers Bob
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24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is best you ask your local nursery for the best variety for your area. Yes, you can grow tomatoes all year round in Cairns, provided you keep the plants protected during the rainy weather. You could make up a small 'igloo' with UV resistant plastic and grow the tomatoes in these in the rainy season. Do not close off the ends of the igloo as the plants require plenty of fresh air around them. All the best. Bob.
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07 Sep 16, Trish J (Australia - temperate climate)
The first crop of tomatoes I ever grew were sprawling over the Rosemary bushes (lots of them) and were amazingly abundant. Last year I read the notes above so planted them well away from the Rosemary - they received heaps of TLC - i.e. straw on the ground, good moisture and according to instructions - two separate locations, one lot in straw bale the other in garden bed... just didn't do a well, were not abundant and were very hit and miss. Back to the Rosemary this year and I haven't decided where else yet.
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05 Sep 16, Hazrat (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. I'm looking for indeterminate tomatoes. Thanks.i stay in kwa dukuza.
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You could try starting off seeds inside in the base of an egg carton in September. That will give you a head start. The soil temperature needs to be 15-17 degrees for them to thrive, usually end of October or early November. Alternatively plant seed of short season varieties like Stupice (60 days). Most varieties that originated in the northern states of America, Canada or Europe will be suitable for a short growing season. Planting them in a sheltered position on a North, North-East or East situation will also help.

- John

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