Growing Instructions for Tomatoes

Season: 

Summer 

Tomatoes are cold and frost-sensitive and therefore grown during the summer months. 

 

Position: 

Full sun to semi-shade. 

Tomatoes can be grown in full sun, but it is advised to use a 30% to 40% shade netting during the hot mid-summer months. It can also be grown in semi-shade, ensuring that it gets morning sun and at least 6 hours of sun. 

 

Soil ph: 

Between 5.5 and 7 

 

Watering needs: 

In summer, water regularly – at least 3 times a week. 

 

Possible pests & problems: 

Powdery Mildew – treat with Bicarbonate of Soda. 

Aphids – treat with Neem Oil and or organic insecticide. 

Red Spider mite – treat with Neem Oil or an organic insecticide. 

Blossom end rot – this happens when the plant is under stress (a few hot and humid days and then cold and rain). The problem can often be corrected by adding lime to the soil or by giving the plant a foliar spray with Epsom Salts. 

 

Maintenance & Extras: 

Tomato plants need a bit more maintenance. 

Trellis – a trellis is needed for vining tomatoes, but Bush Tomatoes often need staking too. 

Prune – regular pruning of tomato plants is necessary. 

Spray for pests – it is helpful to do a preventative spray during the hot summer months. 

 

Additional fertilizers: 

Foliar feed (once a month) 

Root feed (once a month) 

 

Harvest: 

Harvest tomatoes when they start to discolour, to prevent birds from spotting and eating them.

Leave it to mature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

 

Cultivars: 

There are two main groups of tomatoes: Bush Tomatoes and Vining Tomatoes. Bush Tomatoes are faster to set fruit and are usually planted at the beginning of the season. These plants also make all of their fruit more or less at the same time and are often used for jams, canning and sauces.

 

The Vining Tomatoes take a bit longer to set fruit, as they first need to establish a strong root system and then start growing their vines up a trellis. These plants will keep on producing flowers and fruit year-round until the plant dies from the cold night temperatures in winter. The Roma, Floradade and Rodade Tomato, for instance, is an example of a Bush Tomato (also called Determinate Tomatoes). Examples of Vining Tomatoes (also called Interdeterminate Tomatoes) are varieties like Oxheart Tomato and Saladette Tomatoes like the Cherry Tomato and the Yellow Pear Tomato for instance. Tomatoes also come in different COLOURS and SIZES (and various different tastes as well as sweetness & acidity) – you will have to taste for yourself to find out which ones you like best. 

 

General: 

On very hot days, tomato plants might get a bit limp. They usually stand up straight again later in the evening when temperatures drop. Be careful not to overwater during the heat of the day. During summer months, always water your tomato plants early in the morning or in the evening. To keep the roots cool, use a thick layer of mulch in your garden beds. 

Tomatoes can be grown in containers of at least 40 cm to 50 cm deep, but there are varieties available that are specially grown for pots, like the Window Box Tomato. 

Tomatoes can be grown with chives, basil, borage, asparagus, marigold, carrots, nasturtium, onions and garlic. Keep tomato plants away from potatoes, dill, fennel and the brassica family.