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Growing Tomato

(Lycopersicon esculentum)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S   P              

(Best months for planting Tomato in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Asparagus, Chervil,Carrot, Celery, Chives, Parsley, Marigold, Basil
  • Avoid growing with: Rosemary, Potatoes, Fennel
  • a) Seedlings
  • b) 6 weeks old
  • c) Tomato Roma (acid free)

Your comments and tips

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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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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.
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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. :)
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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
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24 Oct 12, JJ (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Black spots is usually "Early Blight", google it and have a look at some pics and see if it looks the same. There is not much you can do, its best to pull out the affected plants and throw them in the garbage. You can also trim off all affected branches, try keep the plants dry and make sure they aren't planted to close so lots of air can get through.
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Post a question, comment or tip about Tomato

Patience, Richard, especially if you are south of Sydney, incl. Victoria where I am. The recent cooler-than-normal days have caused the plants to "baulk" - they'll only let their babies (the flowers) out to play (to start growing) in regular (and a succession of) temperatures of 20 deg. plus. Let's now about mid-December how they are going then.

- Malcolm in Melton


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