Tomatoes are one of the most popular and rewarding crops to grow in Australian gardens. With their vibrant colours, rich flavours, and versatility in the kitchen, tomatoes are a staple in many dishes. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a small balcony, or even a sunny windowsill, you can successfully grow tomatoes and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Start the seeds in seed trays
Sow seeds in small pots, using a good seed raising mix. Then transplant them to a larger container or garden bed when they reach about 10 to 15 centimeters tall.
Pick a sunny spot
Plants thrive and produce more when they are in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Morning sun is better than afternoon if you have the choice.
Plant your tomatoes deep
Plant your seedling so only that only the top two sets of leaves on your seedling will be exposed above the soil.
This technique, called deep planting, triggers the plant to form roots along the stem below the soil level, promoting a strong, healthy root system for the tomato plant.
A system of healthy roots equals stronger plants and more tomatoes.
Add a growing support
Tomato plants need support to grow, except for small determinate or bush varieties.
Although your just-planted baby plant does not look as if it will need staking anytime soon, get your support in place now to avoid trying to wrestle a full-grown plant into a cage later.
Water regularly
Regular, consistent water is the key to keeping tomatoes happy.
Water about three times a week, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet.
Fertilise plants
Use a well-balanced fertiliser formulated for tomatoes and other summer crops.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that can promote stalk and leaf growth, rather than signaling to plants to set tomatoes.
For further reading on growing tips for Indeterminate (climbing) v Determinate (bush) tomatoes, have a look at the blog post Which Tomato Plant is Right for You?
For further reading on different shapes and styles that tomatoes come in have a look at the blog post The Four Different Types of Tomato’s.
Once you have an idea of which tomatoes you wish to grow, check out the myriad of tomatoes available in the shop.