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

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01 Nov 21, John Ellis (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Tomatoes grew well last season until whitefly arrived. I found that Pyrethrum spray only reduced the numbers for a week or two and then it was basically ineffective. Suggestions as to effective control?
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04 Nov 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I basically only grow cherry tomatoes, they are fairly disease resistant. Bigger tomatoes the fly and grubs just feed on them especially when the warmer wet weather comes.
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03 Sep 21, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just planted some bush beans, can someone tell me approx how high they grow? Cheers and thnks in advance
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07 Sep 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A question about beans in the tomato section. Beans (dwarf) about 300-400mm. Bush tomatoes 1m.
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25 Jan 21, Ian (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey there, some of my tomatoes have a small pointed spur growing from the top of the fruit near the stem. Did a search on the interweb without much joy. Any information would be appreciated. cheers, Ian
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27 Jan 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
It happens - don't worry about it- I have no idea why.
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08 Dec 20, Joel (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best variety of tomato for the Brisbane climate?
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09 Dec 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
You can grow nearly all varieties, cherry are probably more suited for the summer, more disease resistant. Grow the kind that you like, check internet seed selling companies, more varieties there. I feel it is better to start growing from mid-late February
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23 Sep 20, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, can you please tell me what the best fertiliser to use on my tomatoes and how often, Kind regards Alex..
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27 Sep 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Any general fertiliser will do. Dig a hole 40cm deep and wide. Mix 3 hand fulls of fert into the loose soil. Put 3/4 of the soil back in the hole. Plant the seedling. When plant is 50cm high cut off some of the lower leaves and then fill the hole up with the rest of the soil. Always give a good watering 3 times a week
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Showing 31 - 40 of 601 comments
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Cherry tomatoes are possible to grow in low frost areas during the colder months providing they have a nicely sunny position. Water in the mornings to prevent drenched soil at night. Start them off in seed trays under glass or in warm area .Ensuring the soil is rich in organic matter will heat the soil slightly as it continues to compost. I find that cherry tomatoes can tolerate the early spring including very late winter and late Autumn as they are small and do not need as much sun to ripen. Although I have not grown tomatoes in the middle of winter the local community always has them growing. Did you end up growing them and how did you go? Happy gardening - Elizabeth

- Elizabeth

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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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