Tomatoes: How to Grow, Feed & Harvest for the Best Results

Homegrown tomatoes deliver unbeatable flavour, nutrition, and satisfaction—especially when grown with the right fertiliser strategy. This guide walks you through every step, from planting time to feeding and harvest, using premium products from Complete Grow.

When to Plant Tomatoes in Australia

Tomatoes can be grown across Australia, but the timing varies:

• Cool & temperate zones: Sow seeds from late winter, transplant in October–November after frost risk ends.
• Warm temperate zones: Start planting from August and continue into early summer for a longer season.
• Tropical & subtropical: Grow year-round, ideally during cooler months for better yield and pest control.

Sunlight, Containers & Spacing

Tomatoes require full sun (6+ hours daily). Avoid planting in the same soil as last year to prevent disease. In smaller spaces, use large pots (30cm+) with drainage holes and choose compact or cherry varieties that do well in containers.

• Spacing for garden beds: 50–60cm between plants in rows 60cm apart.
• Support: Stake or cage plants early to encourage upright growth and avoid stem breakage.

Growing from Seed

Start seeds in punnets or 10cm pots using seed-raising mix. Keep warm and moist. Tomato seeds germinate in 6–14 days at temperatures above 16°C. Once the second set of leaves appear (true leaves), thin them out and begin light feeding.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once seedlings are 10–15cm tall and have 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant them into the garden or pots. Bury part of the stem to encourage deeper root growth. Space plants properly and water in deeply.