Tomato Growing Tips for Better Crops
Tomatoes love warm conditions, so in many parts of New Zealand it’s better to wait until mid-to-late October, once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed.
A little patience at the start can make a big difference later, helping plants establish well and get off to a stronger start.
Choose the site carefully
Tomatoes need plenty of sun and shelter. Choose a position protected from strong prevailing winds that receives full sun for most of the day.
Start with good soil
Tomatoes grow best in free-draining soil. Before planting, mix plenty of fresh Garden Time™ Compost through the existing soil, or use Garden Time™ Tomato Mix. Quite simply, the better the soil, the better your tomatoes will grow!
Try a new variety
With so many tomatoes to choose from, try something different each year. A heritage variety is worth considering for its flavour alongside your tried-and-true favourites.
Grow tomatoes in pots and containers
Use a generously sized container filled with fresh Garden Time™ Tomato Mix each season. Dwarf varieties such as Scoresby Dwarf and Russian Red are good choices, as is Roma.
Give grafted tomatoes plenty of room
Grafted tomatoes are vigorous, heavy-cropping plants, so allow plenty of space. Their rootstocks are also selected for resistance to a number of tomato diseases.
Stagger your plantings
Stagger your plantings every 2-3 weeks to spread the harvest over a longer period, rather than having all your tomatoes ripen at once
Plant through the summer months
Don’t stop planting tomatoes after spring. January, February and even March can be excellent growing months in many parts of New Zealand, but are often overlooked. Later plantings can help extend your harvest while conditions remain warm.
Keep watering consistent
Water deeply and regularly, particularly once plants are fruiting and during hot weather, directing water at the base rather than over the leaves. Irregular watering can contribute to blossom end rot, where the base of developing fruit turns brown or black.
Check for pests and disease
Keep an eye out for green shield bugs, green caterpillars and any early signs of disease. Regular checks make problems easier to deal with before they spread.
Feed and mulch
Side-dress with Garden Time™ Tomato Fertiliser throughout the growing season, following the pack directions and watering in well. Add Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed around plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the main stem.
Manage growth as plants develop
Laterals are new shoots that form between the main stem and leaves. Removing them during the early growth of tall-growing tomatoes helps develop a strong framework and improves airflow. As fruit starts to ripen, remove some lower or surplus leaves if needed to let more light reach the tomatoes.