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

21 Oct 16, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
Di, you can save some seed from one or two of the better tomatoes that you buy and grow from them?
24 Oct 16, Dee (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Di. If you try and grow tomatoes from the fruit, just squeeze the whole tomato into the soil and cover. I believe that tomatoes have an enzyme around the seed that stops it from sprouting and growing the whole tomatoe it will rot under the soil and sprout.
17 Sep 16, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you control green stink bugs?
19 Oct 16, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, The best way is to squash them by hand in the evenings (or use gloves if you're squeamish), they are easier to catch later in the day. You end up decimating the population and at the same time you inspect the plant (when you are looking for the bugs). It takes 3 or 4 nights, then they are gone.
17 Sep 16, Bob Billingham (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Cairns Nth Qld, which are the best varieties of tomato to grow in my area? Can I grow tomatoes all year if which varieties. Cheers Bob
24 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is best you ask your local nursery for the best variety for your area. Yes, you can grow tomatoes all year round in Cairns, provided you keep the plants protected during the rainy weather. You could make up a small 'igloo' with UV resistant plastic and grow the tomatoes in these in the rainy season. Do not close off the ends of the igloo as the plants require plenty of fresh air around them. All the best. Bob.
07 Sep 16, Trish J (Australia - temperate climate)
The first crop of tomatoes I ever grew were sprawling over the Rosemary bushes (lots of them) and were amazingly abundant. Last year I read the notes above so planted them well away from the Rosemary - they received heaps of TLC - i.e. straw on the ground, good moisture and according to instructions - two separate locations, one lot in straw bale the other in garden bed... just didn't do a well, were not abundant and were very hit and miss. Back to the Rosemary this year and I haven't decided where else yet.
01 Sep 16, Terry Salisbury (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Queensland Caloundra Having trouble with Tomatoes (Moneymaker) and Climbing Beans (Scarlet Runner) Both seem to start and then when they are about 12 inches high they just die Would it be the heat Should I shade them Any answers would be welcomed
02 Jul 16, Godwin Dimech (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
For those who have trouble planting tomato, dry tomato onto hand paper towel space out the seed when dry close to end of year cut every dry seed without having to move them and plantin a deep tray about 4 inches under the house or in a shed keep the tray moist see how u go and let me know. When it comes to veges or summer fruit I have many ideas keeep lin touch and see if I can help anyone
30 Apr 16, Lesley (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I am getting oxo heart tomato seeds is it to early to put seeds in and grow them,under a patio I am south of Perth Cheers lesley
Showing 231 - 240 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.

- Anonymous

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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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