Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches 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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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.
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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?
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31 Oct 12, Alice sub/tropical (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Stressed tomatoe plant not growing strongly and sickly. Any advice?? Apart from annihilate!!
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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?
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23 Oct 12, Holly (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Dani, Sounds like they need a good fertilizing. You can take the new shoots from between stems and replant in seedling mix to keep over winter (inside). Otherwise tear out, plant some beans and then start over again in September. Good luck!
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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 .
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09 Oct 12, Steven Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
How often do you water (first time tomato grower)?
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03 Oct 12, Patrick (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am wondering if anyone can tell me what the best soil ph for tomatoes should be?
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23 Oct 12, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Optimum PH range for tomatoes 5.5 - 7
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29 Sep 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
can you tell me how often to water tomotoes in hot house in tassie
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Showing 571 - 580 of 818 comments
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Re the tip on 13 Aug re "savagely clipping" the tomatoes: When tomato bushes are more or less fully grown, flowering and/or bearing fruit, continually prune the bushes, by about 10 - 20% every week (just enough so the pruning matches the regrowth). Prune from the "inside out" ie remove most of the material from the middle of the bush. This opens it out, lets air circulate, reduces wind damage, discourages pests and diseases, and encourages fruiting. Avoid pruning stems which are flowering - they will produce fruit later. PS I forgot to add to my tip about letting fruit drop and self sow for next season - once the seedlings appear, transplant them. Having tomato crops in the same place each year will attract nematodes. (if you do get nematodes, a solution of molasses and water into the soil will often remove them - the molasses slurps them up).

- 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. GardenGrow 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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