Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                S S S  
T                 T T T
                  P P  

(Best months for growing Tomato in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

August: Frost tender. Start undercover

  • 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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm 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

27 Apr 13, jade (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
cherry tomatoes grow as weeds, also romas, in Brisbane. The smaller the easier as you can get them before the bugs do.
22 Jan 13, Martin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Start with an application of fresh Human Urine. 1 part to 9 parts Water diluted. Do not use within approx 3 weeks of harvest for best results. It will also increase your yield 25-40% You can also try lady beetles, ladybirds. And Also try powdered Dimatacious Earth, DE
20 Jan 13, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Is there a natural spray to use on the tomato's for the treatment of aphids. I found white eggs on the under side of a leaf
14 Jul 13, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Steve you'll probably find those eggs are from the white butterfly get some old CD's and tie them to tree branckes or overhead frames and just let them dangle so any breeze can make them move and spin around and also do a visual inspection for green catapillers on the underside of leaves etc. Also try makeing old roll your own cigerette spray it is in the book page74 Organic Pest Control by Jackie French.
16 Jan 13, Sally (Australia - arid climate)
I have tomato plants in they were flowering but then the flowers seemed to be falling off. I have them mulched and keep the water up to them. It is in the high 40s here at the moment and I have shade over them. I also have apple cucumbers in they are flowering prolifically but no fruit. 5 Capsicum plants only one with fruit and one chilly no flowers they are growing well can you please tell me what to do with them all.
14 Jul 13, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Sally have a look at magnesium deficiency on you tube also look into epsom salts on youtube. Hope this helps
17 Feb 13, Charles L (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, we've had some terribly hot weather here in Perth and a lot of my veggies quit producing....or died....no matter how much water they got. Some are recovering...starting to get cucumbers and tomatoes again - although a few of each didn't make it...half the beans died...the rest showed no signs of recovering, as in blooming, so ripped them out and starting all over....the other veggies look to be on the mend...Once the air temperature hits that blast furnace heat....not much you can do....they survive or they don't
11 Jan 13, Charles L (Australia - temperate climate)
I usually grow a few varieties of tomatoes over the summer here in Perth (near Joondalup). Getting good results with Bonnie Best, Moneymaker etc. During the winter, the only success I've had so far is with Cherry tomatoes - which I grow on my patio. Out of most of the rain on the north side of the patio - but get several hours of sunshine (if there is any) during the day. The cherry tomatoes are fine for salads but not much else. Does anyone know of a larger tomato that can handle the Perth winter? I can keep them mostly dry...
23 Jan 13, Elle (Australia - temperate climate)
Charles, I'd recommend Tigerella. I grew one plant in a large container in a sunny position under the patio last winter and was surprised at how well it did.
13 Jan 13, ray (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, i live in britain,.Our weather is changing as is most countries, try sub arctic plenty. S.A.P. let me know how you get on.
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