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

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03 Aug 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Maybe if it is totally air tight. You are really stacking the odds up against yourself. It is recommended to start planting seeds in Oct/Nov in cool/mountain NZ and you are trying to grow them in winter. More chance of a good crop when the conditions are with you than against you.
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08 Dec 19, Julie (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
something is eating my tomatoes as soon as they get a bit if pink on them. Any advice or assistance. We have put up netting to stop the birds but still happening
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12 Dec 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check the plant day and night for grubs.
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10 Dec 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look under the leaves etc and see if you can find grubs etc.
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17 Oct 19, lindsayshand (New Zealand - temperate climate)
what can i use to set my tomatoes to fruit
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18 Oct 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
A few tips on growing tomatoes - make sure you have good rich prepared soil. Dig a hole 50cm deep and 60cm diameter. Put compost/manure into the soil or a hand full of fertiliser and mix it in. Plant the tomato in a bit of a hole and as it grows fill the hole in. Give tomatoes a good deep watering. Too much N and you will have a lot of leaves and little fruit. Too little fertiliser and you will have a small plant and a little crop. The secret is to know how much fert to put on and when. And start with a good strong seedling.
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19 Sep 19, Wendy Perry (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Please what is a good all rounder tomato to grow in a Glass house in Alexandra, Central Otago? Thank you.
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02 Nov 19, Michelle (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Omarama & do very well with Sweet 100 & Money Maker in my tunnel house, just be aware of late frosts & cover. Use plenty of tomato fertilizer & a good all round compost & potting mix.
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25 Sep 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Go to a nz seed selling website and compare different tomato types. Then pick one or two and try them. Or go to Bunnings or a nursery and ask.
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23 May 19, Brod (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How can i grow Tomatoes all year round in CHB Do i need a Greenhouse?????? In winter we get regular frosts
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Showing 11 - 20 of 39 comments
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Liz, what would be the best mulch to apply to the soil under tomato plants and vines? I'm growing them in a raised bed for the first time. The soil is very dark, whether wet or dry and I'd like to keep their roots cool until they can supply their own shade. I'm in Hawkes Bay. Thanks.

- Peter

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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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