Tomato (Large) Growing Guide

Crop Rotation Group

Solanaceae (Potato and tomato family) ●

Soil

Rich soil with plenty of compost mixed in before planting.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Weekly liquid feed or seaweed drench from mid summer onwards.

Companions

Marigold, Broccoli, Chives, Mint, Borage, Parsley, Basil, Pepper, Asparagus, Monarda, Lettuce, Garlic, Dill and Calendula.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 7" (50cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 5" (45cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seedlings indoors or start with purchased plants. Set out after the last frost has passed, when the soil is warm and settled.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Bushy determinate plants can be tied to stakes, but long-bearing indeterminate varieties need a sturdy cage or trellis.

Harvesting

Pick regularly as soon as the fruits turn color but are still firm. Store at room temperature.

Troubleshooting

Watch for leaf-eating tomato hornworms, and pick them off. Black patches on the bottom of fruits are a nutritional disorder best prevented by growing tomatoes in well-prepared soil with constant light moisture.