With more than 3000 varieties, there is one for everyone and the tomato you fall in love with could as easily be red and round, as it could be purple and brain-shaped.
When growing there is no such thing as an expert. Even those who have grown plants, saved seeds and perpetuated the strongest genes for decades still harbour a level of unease at what the season will throw at them. The key to a successful tilt is timing. While every bone in your body seeks the soft touch of its fruit and the smell of the foliage on your skin, patience is a virtue. Once the dodgy weather has passed and the soil temperature is nudging 20°C (68°F), you will again be reunited with your favourite fruit.
PLANTING
Propagate in seed trays. Tomatoes are suitable to larger pots, but prefer an in-ground veggie patch. It’s recommended to pinch out the first side shoots to encourage plant growth.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Propagate seeds in a tray for 4 weeks, making sure they are well-incubated. Meanwhile, prepare the soil with plenty of compost and nitrogen-rich chook manure.
Plant seedlings once the last frost is long gone, spacing at half the distance for a mature plant. Establish a trellising system if growing varieties that require it. Plant tomato’s BFF basil in between plants. Mulch with a 3–5cm of lucerne hay or pea straw.
Give a fortnightly feed with liquid seaweed solution and pinch out bilateral growth tips to encourage a strong, well-shaped plant.
Make sure to routinely attach the plant’s foliage to the trellis or it can quickly get out of control. Use soft twine and tie to the stake first, and then around the plant. Continue to pinch out bilateral growth tips.
Apply liquid potassium to help with flower development and setting of fruit at around the 12 week mark. Over-fertilising with nitrogen will inhibit flower development or cause them to drop at the expense of foliage.
As the plant produces fruit, it naturally begins to die back. Snip off as you notice them. If you notice blossom end rot, don’t panic. It generally abates with later fruit. If you notice caterpillars, apply dipel to control.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 75-90 days
How to harvest: Cut ripe tomatoes at their stems. Fruit will ripen best on the plant, so keep them on there as long as possible.
TIP
There are few companion planting partnerships as strong as tomato and basil, so make sure to plant basil around the base of the plants. Prune the tomato’s lower branches as it begins to grow, allowing more airflow for the initial clusters of fruit that develop.
