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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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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01 Sep 16, Terry Salisbury (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Queensland Caloundra Having trouble with Tomatoes (Moneymaker) and Climbing Beans (Scarlet Runner) Both seem to start and then when they are about 12 inches high they just die Would it be the heat Should I shade them Any answers would be welcomed
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02 Jul 16, Godwin Dimech (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
For those who have trouble planting tomato, dry tomato onto hand paper towel space out the seed when dry close to end of year cut every dry seed without having to move them and plantin a deep tray about 4 inches under the house or in a shed keep the tray moist see how u go and let me know. When it comes to veges or summer fruit I have many ideas keeep lin touch and see if I can help anyone
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30 Apr 16, Lesley (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I am getting oxo heart tomato seeds is it to early to put seeds in and grow them,under a patio I am south of Perth Cheers lesley
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Showing 381 - 390 of 806 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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