Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in Australia - tropical 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 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

31 Dec 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I found that mosquito bed nets work well to exclude fruit fly from tomato plants, and fit perfectly over a centre stack. You just need to weight down the edges on the ground so flies can't get under them.
21 Dec 12, allen lee (Australia - arid climate)
Blossom end rot the blacking at the base of tomatoes may be eased by using lime or dolomite water in well there is also product of the same but is liquid form which is mixed with wAter and can be used as a foliage spray if you do it this way add eco fungicide and seasol to protect leaf disease.
07 Dec 12, Irene (Australia - arid climate)
Hi everyone, I have had massive sucess in growing tomatoes in big pots (beauitiful flavour) but in a round garden I have they arent doing so good lots of fruit but by the time they ripen blossom end rot gets them! & I have also round big white grubs in round one of the platnt which I threw out! Any ideas on how 2 prevent blossom end rot?
31 Oct 12, Heather Masters (Australia - temperate climate)
My tomatoes are growing well, but they have started to exceed the 7' mark. Can I cut of the top of the bush so its not as high? Will this increase lower growth or will the plant go into shock and not produce?
05 Oct 12, shaz (Australia - temperate climate)
hi this is my third season of growing toms ,i have found that my plants don't like to much watering , i don't drench them and i only give them seaweed that's all from the moment there planted right to harvest,about every two weeks but only on soil..great size toms i had, well happy growing all .
09 Oct 12, Steven Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
How often do you water (first time tomato grower)?
29 Sep 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
can you tell me how often to water tomotoes in hot house in tassie
23 Sep 12, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
I read that tomatoes shouldn't be fed until fruit starts forming, otherwise you end up with lots of lush leaves but no fruit. If the plant is too well fed it doesn't feel the need to reproduce itself. I always plant in good soil but don't feed until then.
09 Sep 12, Meiling Chong (Australia - temperate climate)
Are there anybody around North-East Melbourne who would like to swap seeds/seedlings? I live in Greensborough. :)
22 Jul 12, Kevin (Australia - arid climate)
My tomatoes have little black spots on the leaves, what is this from and how do I treat it. Also the fruit is still green but som have been stung (?) by something as they have worms in them
Showing 381 - 390 of 601 comments

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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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