Growing Tomato

Lycopersicon esculentum : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Tomato in USA - Zone 5a 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 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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10 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Go on the internet and read about it. A couple of tablespoons of lux soap flakes in some hot water and dissolve then add to 6 l of water and spray all over and under the leaves. The leaves look like the fingers in your hand all curled up.
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20 Nov 18, Andrew S Cowell (Australia - temperate climate)
Just a quick piece of advice...avoid planting too close to cabbages, trust me, you'll have spindly tomato plants!
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20 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Normally you wouldn't plant tomatoes close to cabbage if planted north - south. The tomatoes would shade the cabbage for half the day. Try and plant tall crops together. If you want good strong tomato plants dig a trench 12-15
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23 Sep 18, David Perry (Australia - temperate climate)
What temperature should the soil be to plant out tomatoe seedlings in Melboune? It is now Sept 23. Is it too early. Thank you.
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03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could probably grow tomatoes all year - I do in sub-tropical area even though it says seeds in Aug Sept and seedlings Oct to Jan. This website is only a guide.
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03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide above says plant seedlings out Oct to Jan. Your answer is there.
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02 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
google it
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26 Sep 18, Darren (Australia - arid climate)
Obviously weather will be a factor, but I've been told by other Melbourne growers after Melbourne Cup for tomatoes.
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22 Sep 18, Andrew (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am looking for a hybrid tree tomato Variety that can be planted outside in A Tasmanian spring/summer.
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03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet.
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Showing 101 - 110 of 601 comments
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You dont say much about your particular situaion, and I'm no expert. I had a similar issue with a potted Patio Prize but it was before I had whitefly/thrip. While I was watering it was hitting the leaves, and I think I overused tomato dust. The leaves not only curled, but they also went thick and felt waxy. Plant growth stunted and the small amount of fruit were really acidic tasting too (symptom of inefficient leaves). You should be able to rescue this plant by mulching and only watering the ground under the plant. Trim the worst couple of leaves/branches off every 5-7 days, continue as new growth takes hold. Google an appropriate fertiliser, i cant comment on that yet. New growth should take, but of course they then become a rich target for pests, enter my white fly problem as well. Gentle spray with confidor and rehash the sticky paper similar to the previous post. I'm not skilled enough to go chemical free yet.

- Phil

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