Tomato Break O’Day

Climate and Growing Conditions

Best Growing Seasons:

• In most regions of Australia, tomatoes generally thrive when planted from September to November (spring) and will produce through summer until April, depending on local climate.
• See individual climate zone information on the product description tab.

Ideal Temperature

• Tomatoes prefer daytime temperatures between 20-30°C.
• Nighttime temperatures should ideally be above 10°C to promote good fruit set.

Site Selection

Sunlight:

• Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily.
• Tomatoes grow best in warm, sunny spots.

Soil Type:

• Well-draining soil is crucial as tomatoes do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Sandy loam or loamy soil enriched with organic material is ideal.

Soil Preparation

Soil Testing:

• Before planting, conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.

Amending Soil:

• Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
•  Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal growth.

Loosening Soil:

• Work the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm and remove any debris or rocks.

Planting Instructions

Starting Seeds:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date or plant in situ in mid spring.

Transplanting:

• Harden seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week before planting.

Spacing:

• Plant seedlings 60-90 cm apart to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the risk of diseases.

Watering Practices

Frequency:

• Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for about 2-3 cm of water per week.

Method:

• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the foliage and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.

Signs of Water Stress:

• Monitor for wilting leaves (indicating too little water) or cracking fruit (indicating too much water).

Nutrient Management

Fertilisation:

• Use a balanced fertiliser (with equal N-P-K values) at planting.
• As plants grow and start flowering, switch to a fertiliser higher in phosphorus (the middle number of N-P-K) to promote fruiting.

Organic Options:

• Consider organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or seaweed extract.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Aphids: Small, green bugs that suck sap. Control them with insecticidal soap.

1. Whiteflies: Small, flying pests; use yellow sticky traps to catch them.
2. Tomato Hornworms: Large caterpillars that can defoliate plants.
3. Handpick them off or use Dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Diseases:

1. Blight: Watch for yellowing leaves and brown spots. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
2. Powdery Mildew: Look for a white powdery substance on leaves. Improve air circulation and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Pruning and Supporting Plants

Pruning:

• Regularly remove suckers (small shoots between the main stem and branches) to encourage better air circulation and direct energy to fruit production.

Support:

• Use cages or stakes to support indeterminate varieties, which continue to grow throughout the season, preventing fruits from touching the ground.

Harvesting and Storage

Timing:

• Harvest tomatoes when they’re fully coloured and slightly firm.
• Most tomatoes will ripen on the vine; pick them just before full ripeness in very hot conditions.

Storage:

• Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature, away from sunlight, for optimal flavour and texture.
• Avoid refrigerating as it can change the texture and flavour.

Blossom End Rot

Overview:

• Blossom end rot is a common physiological disorder that affects tomatoes and other fruits, characterized by a dark, sunken spot on the blossom end of the fruit.
• It is not a disease caused by pathogens but rather a symptom of nutrient imbalance and environmental stress.

Causes

• Calcium Deficiency: The primary cause of blossom end rot is a lack of calcium in the developing fruit. Calcium is essential for cell wall structure and growth.
• Inconsistent Watering: Fluctuations in soil moisture can inhibit the plant’s ability to uptake calcium. Periods of drought followed by heavy watering can exacerbate the problem.
• High Nitrogen Levels: Excessive nitrogen fertilization can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit development, leading to calcium deficiency in the fruit.
• Soil pH and Conditions: Soil with low pH or poor drainage can affect calcium availability in the soil.

Symptoms

• Dark, sunken spots usually appear at the blossom end (the bottom) of the fruit.
• The affected area often becomes soft, and the fruit may rot if not harvested promptly.
• Symptoms tend to occur on the first few fruits developed on the plant, particularly during the early fruiting stage.

Prevention

Soil Testing:

• Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels before planting.
• Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.

Consistent Watering:

• Maintain even soil moisture by watering regularly, especially during dry spells.
• A deep watering once a week is better than shallow, frequent watering.

Balanced Fertilization:

• Use a balanced fertilizer, being cautious not to over-fertilize with nitrogen.
• A fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number in N-P-K) can help promote healthy fruit development.
• Consider also using calcium supplements like gypsum or lime if needed.

Mulching:

• Mulch around the base of the plants with organic material to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature.

Remove Affected Fruits:

• While you can’t save the already affected fruits, removing them can help the plant redirect energy toward developing healthy fruit.