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

20 Aug 07, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Local advice is to wait until Melbourne Cup day before planting out tomatoes or anything frost sensitive.
Showing 821 - 821 of 821 comments

I have only grown cherry tomatoes the last few years - first just letting them run on the ground from early spring to Xmas. Now I have wire netting between 2 x 7' posts (7-8' apart) and plant 4 plants. I use baling twine (12$ at Bunnings) to hold the bushes up. In March I planted out some self germinating seedlings and then put some half composted mulch around the plants. I didn't do a lot to the soil - a bit of trace elements, P, lime and worm tea. The plants are going to the moon. They are now 6' high and growing 2-3" a day. I might have to extend my posts to 8 or 9' high. Never had plants so big bushy and healthy.

- Mike

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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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