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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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.
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I used to have the same problem and didn't like chemicals, now I buy old lace curtains from the Op shop sor a dollar or two and as the Flowers are pollinated and set fruit from the the bottom, I wrap the curtain around the plant and close it with clothes pegs, I leave all the flowering stems above uncovered, the fruit is protected from the White butterfly and the King parrots which love a ripe tomatoe. Also protests them from the sun. As the fruit sets higher I just move the curtain up. Hope this helps. Cheers lynne

- Lynne

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