Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in Australia - temperate regions)

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

August: Frost tender. Start undercover

  • 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

13 Jan 17, Penny (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too late to plant a Roma tomato plant now? Ta
16 Jan 17, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
Roma tomatoes need about two and a half months from planting to harvest, so if you planted some now you would have them ready by late March. You should scrape in before any frosts. If they are still bearing and frosts are imminent pull the whole plant out (including the roots) and hang it up by in a sheltered place where the remaining tomatoes will continue to ripen. The worst case scenario would be to make green tomato pickles at the end of the season. Trust this helps.
11 Jan 17, Sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I got about 5 varieties of tomatoes growing and they are all doing great and tasting fantastic! And totally organic as well.....my only problem is that I am sharing my delicious fruit with these big fat green caterpillars .....so I end up throwing a lot away.......would you have an idea what I could do to get rid of them? A non-chemical solution if possible.... Thank you :)
16 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't like to recommend particular brands but Yates Natures Way is an organically safe control for your caterpillars. It is harmless to pets, chooks, humans, etc. only affecting chewing pests. The caterpillar could subsequently be eaten by a bird with zero side effects. Trust this helps.
10 Jan 17, Winnie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It's probably too hot at the moment that's why the leaves looks crimped and blossoms is not opening. Try to give your tomato plant some shade and water them twice a day. Once the temperature cools down a bit, you should see an improvement. My tomato plant is doing ok so far with the daytime temperature up to 34C but they are growing very slowly due to the heat.
08 Jan 17, marcus peter rogers (Australia - temperate climate)
why have my tomato leaves crimpling up ? I cannot find any diseases .Thanks.
16 Jan 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
There are many viruses that can affect tomatoes. 'Wilt' viruses can be identified by cutting one of the main stems on a long diagonal cut. If there are brown lines in the 'veins' it is an indicator of wilt virus. The other important consideration in tomato growing (including potatoes, capsicums, egg plant,) is not to plant them in in the same location for 3 years to reduce the risk of soil born diseases. Trust this helps.
09 Jan 17, Joanne2167 (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, mine are crimping too. They are also not producing much fruit and not very bushy at all. I am not very good at this and don't know what the problem is but these are the worst I have had.
07 Jan 17, Bill (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a few Tomato plants one is 1.5 Mtr but top half of tomatoes are flowering facing upwards is this a problem. Thanks
27 Dec 16, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
Some of my tomato plants have curly leaves. What can I do?
Showing 211 - 220 of 595 comments

Little seedlings/plants need a light watering each day - if hot twice a day. Bigger plants need a good watering each 2-3 days. For pots - you need to check the top 10-20mm of soil to see if it is wet or dry. If dry then water. The size of the plant and pot will decide how often you water. You want your soil moist not wet wet. It is a bit of trial and error until you work it out.

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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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