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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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
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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...
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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.
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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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24 Jan 15, Derek (Australia - temperate climate)
Charles L, Just wondering how the Siberian , variety went and where you got them from ?
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29 Jan 13, Charles L (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for the tips! Couldn't find sub arctic here....but found a local supplier for Siberian tomatoes which sounds similar enough, I'll give them a go. Still looking for Tigerella in Perth. Found something called Mr. Stripey which looks identical and will see if they handle the winter too.
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11 May 13, Derek (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Perth and I grow a variety called Taste Sensation , we still have some in the freezer from the last crop ,which grew through the summer and now in May we have another bumper crop coming along they are a very heavy cropping, early fruiting variety and so much flavor, the fruits are of a medium size, brought them my local nursery as seedlings.
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23 Feb 13, Tracey (Australia - temperate climate)
Tigerella is available from the Diggers Club - they mail order seed and plants (but not sure about tomato plants) all over Oz. You could try Oregon Spring from Rangeview seed (I think it's a better flavour and stronger grower than Tigerella.
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21 Dec 12, Allen Lee (Australia - temperate climate)
Mulching of tomatoes is always a good practice and if you are short on stakes and have palm trees handy cut off one palm leaf strip off leaves use rib as stake replace later if needed. The reason for the chewed tomato underside are snails and during the night have a great feast and by the time you see them they are hidding on a full stomAch of tomatoes. The Slater isn't the problem he's just visitor enjoying the works of the snail and slugs. If the hole is a single small dot could be fruit fly if larger could be white cabbage moth.
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21 Dec 12, allen lee (Australia - temperate climate)
The grubs you have in your tomatoes are fruit fly. There are few remedies one is organic it has both male& female attracting lure in jar.the other has a male trap and there is female attraction lure which you paint on. A leading hardware store sell net bags which I find useful tied around forming bunches it allow air in stops birds pecking them(close weave) and prevents some flies getting to tomatoes and can be left to ripen. You can use chemical spray but must take care check label instruction wear protective clothing and check withholding period.
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I am also from the Central Highlands, though this will be my first year trying tomatoes here. A lady with many years of gardening experience recently told me that tomatoes shouldn't be planted out here until Melbourne Cup day (5th November). It's simply too cold before then, especially overnight, and late frosts are still possible in October. For best results you should raise seedlings beside a sunny window or in a greenhouse in late September - early October, to plant out in early November. Or simply buy seedlings from a nursery - this is a much easier option but the number of varieties they sell is limited. I have researched on cold-tolerant varieties for this season and here are three that I am trying this year: Siberian, Stupice, and Swift. You may want to try to look for these varieties as they will probably be better adapted for this climate. Generally, any variety from Northern Europe is probably better to plant than typical Australian varieties, which are bred for hotter climates. Finally, make sure you are feeding them correctly. A high Nitrogen fertiliser is necessary early on, but once it puts on flowers you want to only feed it with one high in Phosphorus and Potassium. There are very few of these fertilisers that seem to be available at the big box stores (many have way too much N) but something like liquid potash or a 'flowers / bloom' labelled fertiliser should work. Make sure to include some organic fertiliser or organic compost when planting out your seeds / seedlings as well, so that your soil is not deficient in trace elements. I hope at least some of this advice helps and that you end up with a bumper crop this year. Tomatoes are probably harder to grow here than elsewhere but I have also been told there are less pest problems than up towards the tropics. Best of luck!

- Prometheus

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