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

11 Sep 23, Sid (USA - Zone 10b climate)
A simple potting soil can be made with peat or Coco coir, perlite and any compost in a 1:1:1 ratio. You can use steer manure from lowes or home depot since it is pretty cheap or if your city has a composting program use that for free compost. It's a good idea to add 1-2 cups of fertilizer per cubic foot of soil you prepare with the above recipe. If you want to keep it simple, but a 10-10-10 balanced fertilized and add 2 cups per cubic foot. If you want a more detailed and balanced soil recipe I recommend checking out Buildasoil for info https://buildasoil.com/blogs/news/17627464-build-a-soil-from-scratch-in-2-simple-steps%20
02 Jan 23, Irma (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I always gets my seeds From Burpeeā€™s online. They have always yielded great amount of tomatoes.
14 Dec 22, DENNIS (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I'm looking for a large juicy tomato to just plain eat whole. Looking for a good producer. Can't seem to find a recommendation for my area!
18 Dec 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google big tomato varieties. Most crops will grow from cold weather to hot weather, just have to plant at the right time of year for your area.
31 May 22, Iris Sullivan (USA - Zone 11b climate)
where to buy tomato seeds for tomato plants that can withstand 11b climate.
19 Jun 22, susan pawley (USA - Zone 10b climate)
its really hot and humid in south east florida. too far inland for any sea breezes too. I had great luck with a variety bred by UofF for growing here called Floridade. Another one also bred for south fl climate is Talladega and Amelia. I havent grown them for a few years I think I got the seeds on line at rareseeds.com but not sure. Only getting back into gardening last winter as Ive been on hiatus due to illness.
29 Apr 22, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Any tips for growing tomatoes during the summer in zone 10b USA?
29 Jan 24, Janine (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Move them indoors under a grow light (or in a sunny window) from July through September so they won't burn. Some cultivars are more heat resistant and will survive the zone 10 summer outdoors.
09 May 22, LouElla Chevalier (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Use shade covers. I set 4x4's . 8' high. 40% white shade cloth. Prune bottom leaves to insure plenty of air flow. You can get a higher shade cloth, for your zone, I would get a 50% white shade cloth. I only use mine for late May, June, July and August. I take them down when I see the temps go below 95 deg. I also mulch to retain water. I do not water the leaves, only at soild level and in early mornings. During the hottest months, I water daily.
05 Apr 22, chris (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am in Zone 8b and was expecting seedlings from a relative so i didn't start any myself. Now, that plan fell through. It's April 5 and I am buying seeds today. Should I start indoors or directly in the soil today? I would just buy new seedlings but I am going all organic again and organic seedlings are too expensive! thanks
Showing 21 - 30 of 93 comments

Josef, Tomatoes in 9a or 9b can almost be grown every month, but tomatoes die if there is a frost, and stop growing/producing if the temperature is above 95F. Since this the beginning of summer, it is not advisable to plant tomatoes until after the heat of summer. If you have young tomatoes planted try and shade them, or keep them healthy so they can resume growing after the summer heat has passed.

- Anthony

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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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