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 - cool/mountain 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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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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05 Jul 08, Glenda Bannan (Australia - tropical climate)
Any one tried growing tomatoes all year round in a tropical climate using a raised garden that does get shade during our hottest part of day???
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29 Jun 08, fay from omeo victoria (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hello i had great tomatoes last season, were too juicy, when i cut them into quarters a lot of juice runs out regards fay
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09 May 08, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Audrey, you could try piling up tons of mulch around the plants, or covering them with agri-fleece or other frost protection sheeting that nurseries supply. Ordinary clear plastic sheeting can work too, but I've found it needs support, while agri-fleece is light and can be placed directly onto the plants and anchored round the edges.
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22 Dec 13, pat (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I pruned the leaves that turned yellow but the plant in now nearly leavelessr, although theres still tomatoes on it, should I pull it out and start again
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Showing 591 - 600 of 601 comments
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I just moved into a new house and have inherited a bit of a garden and some plants. I'm new to gardening but would really like to start growing my own fruit and veg. I have 3 different types of tomatoes - what look like plum, small heirloom ones?? and a more rounder, larger variety (no labels on any). They were a bot worse for wear having sprawled on the ground for a few weeks.... I have tried to save them... they have been staked/supported and dead, browning or "excess" leaves taken off. They do have some fruits on them and more flowers but after 2 weeks they don't seem getting any bigger/riper though leaves still seem to be growing. I'm in Perth and it's starting to cool here. Have I missed the season? Can I get the rest of the tomatos to grow/ripen? And how long can I expect the plants to fruit? Do I need to keep fertilising them, and how often? Also is what do I do with the plant when it does get too cold/it is done fruiting? leave it? Pull it out and start again next year? Cut it back? I know there are a lot of questions but I haven't done this before. ;-) Thanks

- Dani

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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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