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

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15 Oct 08, Frank (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am new in Canberra, can someone give me tips on when and how to plant tomato plants in garden.
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14 Oct 08, Ron (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone have figures for the average water requirements for tomatoes and cucmbers in Melbourne sandy soil?
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02 Oct 08, SONYA JONES (Australia - tropical climate)
I didn't have much luck with tomatoes this year. They just seem to wilt and die. I can't see any evidence of pest or disease.
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17 Sep 08, gareth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Steve: it could be that the soil has been drained of its nutrients because tomatos take huge amounts of nutritions perhaps put some beans in the soil as bean put nutrients into the soil
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15 Sep 08, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've been planting tomatoes for the last 2 years with success. However, last years fruit were a bit powdery. Any tips on how to stop that? The only thing i add to the soil is compost and occasionally soluble plant food. thanks
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05 Sep 08, john (Australia - temperate climate)
i have found . if i get some electrical wore. take off plastic coating... then get individual strands of copper wire, and cut to about 2 inches long. then force 1 of these thru each tomato plant at the base .. it gives some protection against disease, but wouldnt be prctical for commercial growers, just home gardeners
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24 Aug 08, gareth (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have just planted 4 different types of tomatoes roma hybrids big red should i put chook poo on them and what other fertilisers and which is the highest yielder
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28 Jul 08, wayne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Last year my tomatoes started really good. Then the foliage seemed to turn black. We didn't have a frost. I didn't get any fruit at all.
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27 Jul 08, Bobby (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I want to make homemade chutney using good tomatoes. When are they in season in Melbourne/Victoria please?
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15 Jul 08, Dianne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Damian I think you will find that brown patch is blossom end rot which is caused by uneven watering.
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Showing 581 - 590 of 595 comments
See comments for all plants

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.

- John

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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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