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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
16 Dec 14, Kevin Spencer (Australia - temperate climate)
Try Dipel, it is an environmentally friendly product which is dynamite with caterpillars.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Dec 14, kevin spencer (Australia - temperate climate)
My tomatoes (mortgage lifter) are growing and flowering but not setting fruit. Are they dependent on bees? If so can I manually pollinate?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 15, Nathalie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. I have read that before the flowers open, you gently tap the flowers branch so that they gently vibrate and that apparently pollinates them.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Nov 14, Michael J Garrett (Australia - tropical climate)
As I suffer from Gout.I am looking for a non or low acidic tomato plant,which will grow in Cairns Qld Humid Clmate. Regards Mike
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Dec 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Michael :) I lovvvvveee non acidic tomatoes and as far as I am aware, Roma tommies are the only ones with no acid :) Good luck !!
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Nov 14, Shaun (Australia - temperate climate)
Try scattering a handful of lime around the base of your plants and water it in and also as Derbyiter mentioned, some ash from burnt, untreated wood. Has done wonders for my tomatoes. Comfrey tea will set them free.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Nov 14, Greg (Australia - temperate climate)
Can over feeding with seasol curl new growth leaves on tomatoes.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jan 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hmmmm I am having the same problem and am also using Seasol Might try changing to another brand
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Oct 14, Morgan (Australia - temperate climate)
My tomato plant has been attacked by green caterpillars. I have been picking them off by hand but they are prolific. What else can I do?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jan 15, trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
Try spraying the caterpillars with Pyrethrum spray. It is a non-toxic spray that can be used on any insect pests. You can make your own (recipes found on Youtube) but I don't bother as I don't need it that often. I use a commercial concentrate from Yates. One bottle will last for years.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 311 - 320 of 601 comments
See comments for all plants

I just moved into a new house and have inherited a bit of a garden and some plants. I'm new to gardening but would really like to start growing my own fruit and veg. I have 3 different types of tomatoes - what look like plum, small heirloom ones?? and a more rounder, larger variety (no labels on any). They were a bot worse for wear having sprawled on the ground for a few weeks.... I have tried to save them... they have been staked/supported and dead, browning or "excess" leaves taken off. They do have some fruits on them and more flowers but after 2 weeks they don't seem getting any bigger/riper though leaves still seem to be growing. I'm in Perth and it's starting to cool here. Have I missed the season? Can I get the rest of the tomatos to grow/ripen? And how long can I expect the plants to fruit? Do I need to keep fertilising them, and how often? Also is what do I do with the plant when it does get too cold/it is done fruiting? leave it? Pull it out and start again next year? Cut it back? I know there are a lot of questions but I haven't done this before. ;-) Thanks

- Dani

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.