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

14 Nov 11, Beth (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm growing Red Truss and Grosse Lisse tomatoes in Adelaide. The truss plants have already flowered on plants 30cm & 40cm high. Should I remove the flowers to let plants grow taller before putting energy into fruiting?
19 Nov 11, Tricia (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive planted a variety of tomatoes this year and they all started flowering before they even got to 30 cm, I have left them and they are still growing and flowering, the early flowers have set and I have some really nice looking tomatoes already, I made my own compost and have side dressed them and I swear they have grown another 6 inches in a few days :)
21 Nov 11, Beth (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks Tricia - that sounds promising. That's what I'd decided to do. They certainly love compost. And who wouldn't prefer home-made? Roll on delicious tomatoes!
16 Oct 11, graham michelle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Am wondering which is the best tomato plant to grow in glasshouse on the coast in southern new zealand
15 Oct 11, jeffrey (USA - Zone 5a climate)
found a great calendar all about tomato it is from the butte county Master Gardener program they have a great calendar out all about tomato i picked one up last week at an event you should check it out
04 Oct 11, justina (Australia - temperate climate)
This is the first time I'm planting tomatoes. How frequent do I fertilize the plant. i'm using instsnt-gro. the container said 2- 3 months.
31 Oct 11, Digger Dave (Australia - temperate climate)
Every year I plant a tomato plant in August (cover from frost), then plant a couple in October, I fertilize when I plant them with blood and bone and then again every two months, Last year the eary plant grew over nine feet tall and I had tomatos before christmas
18 Nov 11, ian (Australia - arid climate)
i always fertiilze every 10 to 12 days as you will always good growth and a healthy plant will always bear goood fruit or veg's
26 Sep 11, Lisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When it says potatoes and tomatoes shouldn't be planted together does that just mean same bed? or same time? completely new to gardening thanks
18 Nov 11, ian Mckay (Australia - temperate climate)
no don't plant after one after the other always leave a years between as you may end up with namato's, i always leave a year or somethimes two between planting either between planting of either of them.
Showing 601 - 610 of 806 comments

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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