Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in South Africa - Humid sub-tropical regions)

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

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10 Feb 20, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If you set your climate to summer rainfall and look in tomatoes, it is right in front of you, plant SEPT TO MARCH.
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31 Jul 19, Yvette Botha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Which variety tomato will grow best in the Free State
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10 Dec 19, Chris Labuschagne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I like to plant Money maker in Pretoria. Ox heart is a traditional variety but it has very low resistance to insects and pests. Be on the lookout for mildew and others as well as bottom end rot. Plan a preventative program. I am using drip irrigation instead of over head.
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28 Jul 19, Jameson Ngcobo (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
To treat tomatoes from pets like aphids and red spider. Red spider can finish your plant without even noticing them because they are very small. Your tomatoe leaves becomes yellow and the whole plant ends up dying. Potatoes also have the same problem. You may think they are getting ready. Just use Oleum. It is very good.
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22 May 19, Nkhangweleni (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I want to know about how we can treat the diseases or just give me the name of medicine that can be used?
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11 Jun 18, Phillip (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I have a field and considering to plant Tomatoes and green pepper Limpopo province NZHELELE TO BE SPECIFIC.Is it the right time for me to start now?
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22 Dec 17, Richard Masina (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How many kinds of tomatoes
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29 May 17, Ayo koya (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I'm a farmer in Nigeria and planting tomatoes, can you pls tell me what are the best seeds to plant in southern Nigeria?
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11 Dec 16, Ayanda (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Which season is right to plan tomatoes in the Eastern Cape,Centane.
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24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I am not familiar with the climatic zones of South Africa but imagine it would be similar to Australia. In frost-free areas tomatoes can be grown all year round. Otherwise plant them after the last frost in Spring. They are easily grown from seed and also strike readily from cuttings of side shoots placed in a small jar of water. They will sprout roots fairly quickly and then can be planted out like seedlings. protect from dryness and heat until they are established. Trust this helps.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 40 comments
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I think you might have blossom end rot, and root rot mixed up. Blossom end rot occurs on the base of the tomato, and is caused by a lack of calcium (usually -- it could be other things that cause the calcium to be unavailable - PH, lack of water etc.). Blossom end rot causes the tomato to look deformed. Calcium added to the soil at the time of planting is usually adequate to ensure this does not happen. The calcium really needs to be added EARLY in the growing stages. You could also use egg shells -- I would grind/smash up the shells pretty good then work them into the soil of the planting hole; better yet, enrich with egg shells over the winter and early spring in anticipation of future planting. Root rot usually occurs when water sits around the roots of a plant for long periods of time -- bad drainage, excess watering, soil that holds too much water (which is really drainage). If you have proper aeration this usually doesn't happen since the air flow will whisk away excess moisture (provided it isn't a swamp at the roots). Try to create updrafts in your pots -- you want water drainage holes that do double duty -- let the water run off and allow air in. I find that holes at the SIDE BOTTOM of the pot, rather than directly under the pot, work well. It may seem like a hole at the side of the pot will let the soil out -- but pretty much after the first watering this stops happening -- and once the roots take hold it certainly does not happen. No need for drainage material (stones etc.) -- just use soil/compost top to bottom -- expect soil to come out at first when filling the pot -- after that you should be fine. I make my holes rather large -- on a BIG pot these holes are about 3inches (circular). Roots of plants really like air (maybe not direct exposure) but they certainly like the occasional breeze through the soil. Face the hole on the shady side of the pot for a cooling updraft in hot weather.

- Celeste Archer

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