Spring is the perfect time to seed and grow a bountiful garden and as we know, plants need plenty of sunlight to to thrive. There are however, certain flowers and fruit trees that particularly benefit from being planted in the warmer seasons and if you’d like to see your garden in bloom, here are eight of the best flowers, trees, herbs and vegetables to grow this spring:
Lemon & citrus trees
Lemon trees are as versatile in planting methods as they are in culinary aspects. Start a lemon tree off in a small pot that can act to brighten up any sunny living area, or line them along the edges of your garden to create a bright atmosphere on grey days. The trees are relatively low maintenance, requiring moderate sun and warm soil, making them perfect for spring planting.
Eggplants
Begin the planting process when eggplant seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, and place them 25 – 30 inches apart in well-prepared beds. Known for their deep purple colour and rounded shape, eggplants thrive in warm climates, with well-drained soil and regular access to water. The longer the summer, the larger the eggplants, and by planting them away from nightshade plants (tomatoes, potatoes), you’ll be giving your eggplant the best chance to grow.
Tropical plants love warmer climates / Source: Village Studio
Oregano
Oregano is a versatile herb, which is likely to come in handy in any type of cuisine. Save yourself a trip to the shops and grow your own! Oregano can be grown in small pots on your windowsills, protecting them from the wind and giving your indoor space a touch of nature. They thrive in warm climates and only need watering when soil is very dry to the touch.
Tomatoes
A staple of any diet, tomatoes are as tasty as they are vibrant. Requiring slightly more attention than other vegetable varieties, tomatoes need to be grown in areas with full-sun, well-drained soil, and access to lots of water. Additionally, use stakes or cages at the time of planting, to allow the plant to grow up from the ground, protecting the fruit and creating a feature point for your garden.
Contact local gardeners
Pig-face (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
The only native Australian flower on this list, pig-face is a creeping succulent often used to cover large patches of soil very quickly. With deep green stalks and bright purple/pink flowers (in summer) it’s hard to find a better alternative to quickly brighten up stretches of flat soil in your garden. They are extremely low-maintenance and can withstand salty air (Oceanside) and strong weather conditions.
Magnolia tree
There’s few things more beautiful than a large flowering magnolia tree on a summer’s day. These trees take commitment and often grow extremely slowly, but if you have the time, they are worth the effort. Their large white flowers are timeless, and add a touch of class and serenity to any indoor space when trimmed. Planted in areas exposed to lots of sun, these trees are likely to bring happiness and beauty for decades.
If you’re looking for classic flowers with a burst of colour, Hydrangeas are for you. When planted in shady areas, with protection from strong wind and hot afternoon sun, they can blossom from late spring and continue into summer. Make sure to keep the soil well drained and you’ll be seeing robust flowers, which bring beauty to any garden, established or non-existent, in no time!
Sunflowers
Probably the most iconic and recognizable flower of all time, sunny sunflowers are bound to draw a crowd. The smiling flowers grow on tall stalks, which can reach 4 meters in height, and are best planted in well-drained, sunny areas of the garden. Growing well into summer, sunflowers are a great way to brighten up any garden, while also doubling as beautiful additions to living spaces. when trimmed and put in vases.
These are just a few of the plants and vegetables that you can plant in springtime. With the weather warming up, what better way to get you outdoors and enjoying nature. Even if you don’t have a green thumb but would still like to enjoy a flourishing garden, let Oneflare help connect you with a skilled and experienced gardener.
Whether you have natural grass, sod or artificial turf, there may come a time when you need to do some maintenance to whip your lawn into shape again. For example, if your lawn has brown spots or is looking worn, it’s probably time to take action. Here we’ll explore whether you should be replacing or repairing your lawn in order to bring it back to it’s full glory.
The best time to work on your lawn
The best time to repair or replace your lawn is between late autumn and spring. During this season, your lawn is starting to hibernate in preparation for the peak growing season.
If you need to repair your lawn, the best time is between late autumn and spring / Source: Old School Landscaping
Signs your lawn needs to be repaired
Signs that your lawn needs to be repaired include:
Bare spots in your lawn
Large areas of lawn that don’t look healthy
Areas of lawn that are burned
There are a lot of weeds in your lawn
Areas of the lawn look old or worn
Pieces of turf are missing or damaged
The best ways to repair your lawn
There are different maintenance techniques that you can use to revive your lawn. Here are some useful lawn maintenance techniques:
1. Aeration
Weeds thrive in arid, dense soil and plants starve from deprived oxygen and nutrients. Aerating your soil is the best way to achieve rapid repair. It breaks through thatched layers, enables roots to breathe and increases water and nutrient penetration.Aeration makes the soil more able to absorb water, and being doing this regularly you’ll likely reduce the amount of water needed to keep your lawn looking healthy all year round.
To aerate your lawn, use an aerating tool to loosen compacted soil during autumn or early winter. After aerating put fertiliser, sand or compost over the grass to give added nutrients to the soil. Be sure to trim your lawn down before aerating in order to get as deep in the soil and root system as possible.
2. Dethatching
Dethatching is a process where you remove a layer of grass stems, roots, clippings and other debris that have accumulated in your lawn. Although having thatch is important, a build-up of debris can suffocate your lawn, causing it to look worn and dull. Too much of thatch can also prevent water and essential nutrients from seeping into the roots of the grass. An easy way to dethatch your lawn is to go over it thoroughly with a rake to remove the debris.
3. Seeding
Spread new grass seeds over your lawn if you have a lot of brown or burned spots. Spread more seeds than you need to make your lawn look thick and lush.
Signs your lawn needs to be replaced
If your lawn is in really bad condition, maintenance techniques won’t be enough to save it. Signs you need to completely replace your lawn include:
The entire lawn is dead
Large areas of the lawn are dead and have not responded to maintenance attempts
The turf is damaged or worn
Sometimes a lawn will need to be completely replaced / Source: All Lawns and Garden
How to replace your lawn
To replace your lawn, you first need to remove your existing lawn. Use a hoe to uproot the entire lawn, including the roots, and rake away all the debris. Then spread rich topsoil as a base for your new lawn. After you have done these steps, you can spread new grass seeds or lay new sod. Be sure to give your lawn plenty of water.
If you are planning to lay artificial turf, you should still remove the old lawn and debris, but you don’t need to lay a rich topsoil, since artificial turf is not alive.
Tips for maintaining your lawn
Feed your lawn
Nourishment is the key to maintaining a lawn that looks good. For a healthy looking lawn, ensure that it has adequate fertiliser. Fertilisers should be added in spring to promote good growth in the summer. Fertilisers can be bought at gardening stores, or in the gardening section of hardware department stores. When buying fertiliser, make sure you buy one specifically made for lawns. Lawn fertilisers may be organic, synthetic or a combination of the two.
Prior to applying fertiliser, make sure that your lawn is free of weeds and is well aerated. To simplify your job, there are a number of fertilisers that come with added weedkillers. Apply fertiliser in even coats. Doubling up the fertiliser may burn the grass. Once you have added the fertiliser, remember to water it in.
Remove weeds
Removing weeds is essential to promoting healthy lawn growth. Weeds grow very quickly and easily and can hamper the growth of your lawn if given the chance to grow. Weeds should be pulled out as soon as they come in. There are special tools that you can use to weed while standing.
Contact local gardeners
Ensure adequate water supply
Lawns need to be watered regularly for healthy growth. Lawns are best watered in the morning before the sun comes out. Make it a practice to water your lawn at the roots. This will promote growth at the deeper root level as well.
Learn how to mow
Make sure you mow your lawn the correct way. Never mow it shorter than 7.5 centimetres. Any shorter, and portions of your lawn may actually die off.
Keep your lawn slightly acidic
Plan to periodically — annually is best — test your lawn’s pH with a soil testing kit. You want it be slightly acidic at about 6 or 6.5. Any higher, and your lawn is too alkaline, lower and it’s too acidic. You can fix acidic lawns by spreading dolomite or garden lime. An alkaline lawn can be repaired by spreading sulphate of ammonia over the lawn. With any of these products, make sure to carefully follow the instructions and water them into the lawn well.
Mulching is beneficial for new and established gardens alike. If you want to make your garden look healthy and beautiful, you should definitely consider applying a layer of mulch. Mulching is the application of a top layer of organic or inorganic material over your garden’s soil and can provide so many benefits to your garden.
Mulch benefits
It conserves water in the soil
Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil
It helps prevent soil erosion
It keeps your plants from getting too hot or too cold
It helps prevent weeds from growing
Types of mulch
There are a number of different mulches that fall into two broad categories, organic and inorganic.
Organic mulches
Organic mulches are made from biodegradable plant-based materials, and they fertilise the soil as they break down over time. Common types of organic mulches are:
Barkand wood chip mulches are attractive, stay in place well and don’t blow away in the wind.
Sawdust mulch is inexpensive and it acidifies the soil, so it’s a good type of mulch to use around plants that require acidic growing conditions. However, it’s light and tends to blow away during windy weather, absorbs nitrogen from the soil, so you may have to fertilise more often and does very little to stop weeds from growing.
Straw mulch is even less expensive than sawdust, and it does a great job of keeping weeds from growing.
Mulch will help newly planted plants to grow / Source: Nature Build
Inorganic mulches
Inorganic mulches are made from a variety of non-biodegradable materials. They last longer than organic mulches, but they don’t break down over time and don’t fertilise the soil. On the other hand, they don’t remove nutrients from the soil either. Some common types of inorganic mulches include:
Graveland crushed stone mulches are available in a variety of colours, which allows you to add a bit of colour to your garden beds. To prevent the small stones from mixing into your soil, place a layer of landscape fabric underneath.
Plastic mulch does a good job of keeping weeds from growing, and it helps prevent moisture loss from the soil. Plastic also prevents the soil from absorbing water, so a watering system needs to be installed underneath it. One big disadvantage to plastic mulch is that it isn’t environmentally friendly and can potentially leach toxins into the soil or underground water supply. In addition, pets and wildlife may eat it, which could cause intestinal blockages.
Fabric mulch comes in large sheets of tightly-woven fabric. Fabric mulch is excellent at preventing weeds from growing. Because fabric mulch isn’t very attractive, it’s usually topped with another type of mulch.
Applying mulch
Firstly, when you apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants remember that the best time to spread mulch which is in late winter/early spring. Secondly, remember to never mulch when the ground is frozen. Thirdly, remember to feed the plants before mulching and finally remember that too much mulch will stifle bulbs.
Contact local gardeners
Depth of mulch
If you’re using chunks of cedar, put them about 5-inches below the surface. They’re bigger and need additional time to breakdown. Same holds for other large organic materials like eggshells, banana peels or things that have gone to rot in your refrigerator’s crisper section. Grass clippings should be used only an inch-or-so down. You don’t want to use toxic materials where you’d like to grow good things.
Separate from the plant
Keep the mulch separated from the plant. Putting your plants too close to decomposing materials can breed diseases that could infect the existing growth.
Separate from your house
The wood that’s used to build your house can be severely damaged by termites. Mulch harbours wetness and these wood-eaters love moisture.
We recommend taking an inventory of the soil and the plants and soil where you’d like to mulch. Consider how the drainage is and what type of covering might enhance the growth of the plants. Also, think about whether these plants grow well in acidy soil. Fortunately, most available mulch is pretty neutral and can be applied just about anywhere. If you already have a cover of mulch, rake it to break it up. Avoid mulch that smells sour. Also, be aware that some products can be dangerous to pets. Read the warnings carefully or ask the salesperson if the mulch is animal-friendly. Creating a compost bin will let you make your own mulch. Add wood chips, leaves, bark and wood to the area you’ve set aside. Let it sit for a month, then turn it over. Give it a little more time. Repeat the mixing process and shovel as much as you need into a wheelbarrow. Presto! DIY mulch.
Pets love to spend time outdoors. The garden is a pet’s natural habitat to roam, sniff, play or dig, so take the time to make your garden a friendly and safe environment. You don’t have to say goodbye to your perfect garden, just make a few little changes. When designing a pet-friendly garden, consider your pets needs, throw in a few clever changes that will cater to them, and this will guarantee you and your pets dream garden. Here is our 8 step guide to help you achieve this.
Keep them in the yard
To keep them safe means to keep them close. Curious as they are, both cats and dogs will sooner or later try to explore the neighborhood in search of food, fun or love of their life. Keep them in the yard by putting a fence. Take care of the height and remember that for small dogs a 1.2 meter will be enough, while taller dogs should be kept inside with at least 1.5-meter high fence. Also, take care of the gaps since they are so inviting and dangerous for dogs. Put the fence deeper in the ground so that your pet cannot get caught underneath or between the boards. Here’s some options when it comes to pet friendly fencing:
A new fence –Although this might not be an ideal solution, depending on what type of dog you have, it may be the only solution. If you have a smaller dog, a chain-link fence may not be idea. However, if you have a bigger dog, this type of fence may work.
A higher fence –Some dogs like jumping, and they will jump right over the fence. In order to prevent this, you can add a few extra feet to your fence by buying simple bamboo or other fencing material that doesn’t have horizontal slabs.
Visible breaks –From time to time, dogs may decide to dig their way out of the yard. Placing a concrete slab under the fence may help to prevent this. If your dog finds a way around this by digging even deeper, sometimes the only option would be to put barbwire underneath.
Electric fences -Now, at first glance, this may seem like a pretty terrible way of teaching your dog not to escape, but in some instances, it’s the only way. The dog won’t get electrocuted from the electric fence, but it will be given a small shock. This is enough to deter it from wanting to escape the fence.
Designate a specific spot in the garden where you will train your dog to eliminate. Make it a hidden spot behind a line of shrubbery and cover the area with some material that will be easy to clean afterward. Small pebbles are useful since it is easy to hose it down and they’re easy for dogs paws. Be persistent in training your dog and make sure that it is the only spot in the garden for that purpose. Clean it regularly and hose it at least once a day.
Rest area
Make sure to provide your pets comfortable shady areas where they can lie and rest during the hot summer days. To provide a place for a nap means less running and making less of a mess in the garden. Having their safe place in the garden, where they get the sense of ownership will make them less interested in digging through and nibbling the plants. Create an elevated area or place a big flat stone from which they can look all around ‘’their’’ territory.
Play area
Playing and running is something that pets will do anyway, whether you approve it or not. For that matter, provide the space that is suitable for playtime while redirecting their attention from your vegetables. In some cases, people like to physically separate pet area from the rest of the garden. That way they establish the boundaries while providing enough amusement for their pets. Make sure there are enough pet toys in the area as well as equipment that they can climb on, run through or jump over. To make sure they will stay in the pets area, play with them and remember to leave many toys and treats.
Have water in the garden
Almost every pet likes to play with water so indulge your furry friend some water fun. Create a water fountain at the ground level or get a kiddie (not inflatable) pool, filled with fresh water. A small pond as long it is shallow would be an amazing feature. If any of this is too much trouble, a simple hose or garden sprinklers can be of use too since dogs can spend hours playing with running water. Not to mention that it helps cooling down during the summer days.
A bit of landscaping can go a long way in preventing pets roam through plant beds. Take a useful tip from landscape design artists from Sydney who suggests you lay paths between the beds since it will keep the animals away from the plants while it will significantly improve the look of the garden. If animals continue their walk through the plant beds even after the providing visible pathways, it means there is a gap in the planting. To make sure of it, get down and look for the gap. If it’s there, make some additional planting in the bed.
Keep the plants safe
Aside from making paths which can be helpful to a certain degree, plant your flowers in raised beds. Add some bigger plants, trees, and shrubs or try mass planting of ornamental grass or shrubbery since the animals will most likely go around them instead of biting their way through. To protect vegetables and flowers in beds, try planting a dogbane close to them. It is a plant with a strong odor that will keep the dogs away. To keep pets away from vegetables and herbs try permanent enclosure, like simple picket fence.
Contact local landscapers
Pet-friendly environment
No matter how well you fence your plants, your pets will inevitably chew them. Since some of them are toxic for animals, make sure to learn more about which plants are safe and which one should you avoid. Also, if there is water in the garden, make sure it is flowing rather than stagnant since it has to be safe for a drink as well as swim. Cut down on chemical treatments since they can cause serious damage if ingested and use natural pesticides that are safe for animals. There is plenty of safe options in the market.
Wrap up
A little planning and small effort are what it takes to adjust your garden and to create friendly surrounding for your pet. Your family and your furry companion will have a lovely retreat and safe place to spend all those lazy afternoons. Having a place for spending time outside while laughing and enjoying innocent playtime of your beloved creatures reminds of nothing but good times that are yet to happen. Keep these tips in mind and make your garden a place of joy and delight for anyone who enters.
The rich, flavourful juiciness of freshly harvested tomatoes adds a distinctive touch to many meals. Imagine biting into a juicy, sun-ripened tomato, bursting with flavour, plucked fresh from your very own garden. And if it’s summer, you know that it’s tomato-growing season!
Growing your own tomatoes is not only rewarding but also a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce all season long. The key to a successful tomato harvest lies in understanding the best season for growing tomatoes, as different regions have varying climates and growing seasons.
Let’s delve into the world of tomato cultivation and discover the secrets to growing your own bountiful crop.
When is tomato season in Australia?
Tomatoes grow best in warmer climates / Source: Shutterstock
The tomato plant is partial to warm climates, and summer is the best tomato growing season in most regions.
Experienced gardeners prefer to start growing tomatoes indoors just before summer sets in and then plant them outside once the weather becomes warmer. They then transplant them once the plants have grown a few centimetres in height. Meanwhile, in cooler climates, they should be grown under cover or in a sheltered spot.
But if you’re not such a gardener, just be aware that spring and early summer are typically the tomato season in Australia. With the right timing and care, you can grow tomatoes in your own garden, or even in pots or hanging baskets and troughs.
Planting and harvesting season for tomatoes in Australia
Region
Planting season
Harvest season
New South Wales (North Coast)
Throughout the year
10-12 weeks after planting
New South Wales (Other)
August to September
End of March to April
Australian Capital Territory
August to December
December to end of April
Northern Territory
Top End: April to September
Central Australia: September to December
Queensland (North)
April
Until end of November
Queensland (South East)
Year-round, best in Aug-Sept & Feb-Mar
8-12 weeks after planting
South Australia
August to September
December to end of April
Tasmania
Late October to early December
January to end of April
Victoria
September to October
January to end of April
Western Australia
Perth/Southwest: Aug to December
Northern WA: April to August
Generally, growing tomatoes in Australia can occur all year round for warm climates, August to November for moderate climates, and September to November for cool areas. Here’s a breakdown of each Australian territory in terms of tomato growing season:
New South Wales (North Coast): Planting can occur throughout the year. Most tomato varieties can be harvested within 10-12 weeks. The tomatoes will take longer to ripen during the colder months than in spring or summer.
New South Wales (other): Start planting in August or September. Harvest season is until the end of March or April.
Australian Capital Territory: Planting season is from August to December, and harvest season is from December to the end of April.
Northern Territory: While challenging, tomatoes can be grown in the NT. In the Top End, the growing season for tomatoes occurs during the dry season (April to September). In Central Australia, plant in spring and early summer (September to December).
Queensland (South East): Planting can occur throughout the year, but best results are achieved when planting in August-September and February-March. Most varieties can be harvested within 8–12 weeks.
South Australia: Planting season starts in August or September. Harvest from December until the end of April.
Tasmania: Plant from late October to early December. Harvest from January until the end of April.
Victoria: Planting can start in September or October. Harvest from January until the end of April.
Western Australia: In Perth and the southwest, plant as early as August until December. In northern WA, plants during the dry season (April to August).
Choosing what tomato plant to grow
Grow more than one variety for your own produce | Source: iStock
While there are a number of different varieties of tomatoes you can grow, some of the most common ones are:
Grosse Lisse: A favourite in Australia, this variety produces high yields of large, round fruit. It’s well-suited for most Australian climates and is ideal for slicing.
Big Beef: This award-winning variety offers large, meaty fruit with excellent flavour. It’s heat-tolerant and resistant to many common tomato diseases, making it suitable for warmer regions.
Improved Apollo: A disease-resistant hybrid that fruits over an extended period. It performs well in both cooler and warmer climates, making it versatile for different Australian regions.
San Marzano: San Marzano is a leading Italian variety. It produces elongated fruits that are ideal for sauces and preservation, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Roma: This egg-shaped tomato remains a favourite for cooking and making tomato paste. It’s determinate, meaning it grows to a compact size. Roma varieties are great if you want to maximise the space of your small garden.
Cherry Tomatoes (e.g., Sweet 100, Sungold): These have largely replaced varieties like Small Fry. They produce abundant small, sweet fruit and are excellent for snacking or salads. Many cherry tomato varieties are indeterminate and can grow quite tall, needing support.
Tiny Tim: This dwarf variety with cherry-sized fruit remains popular for container gardening. It’s perfect for small spaces like vertical gardens and can even be grown indoors with adequate light.
Here’s how to get you started with planting your own tomatoes
Collect a few essential tools before you start your tomato planting exercise. No heavy gardening is involved in growing tomatoes, so all you need are the following basic tools:
Gloves
Hand trowel
Spade
Rake
Hoe
Hose with a rain wand and adjustable nozzle
Small watering can if you are planning on growing tomatoes in pots
Soil preparation and requirements
Plant your tomatoes where it can receive sufficient sunlight | Source: iStock
Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, prepare your garden bed by digging in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.2-6.8).
If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider adding gypsum or organic matter to improve its structure. This is similar to the soil requirements of many other plants, including summer blooms like sunflowers.
A professional soil test can help you determine if any additional amendments are needed. A professional gardener may charge you $65 to $85 per hour, depending on where you are in Australia.
Choosing between garden beds, pots, and other containers
Your choice depends on available space and sunlight. Garden beds are ideal for larger varieties since they allow roots to spread freely. Pots or containers are good for those with small spaces or balconies and offer better control over soil conditions. If you have ample garden space, consider planting tomatoes with other indoor plants.
Ensure any container is at least 30cm deep with drainage holes. Raised beds can be a great compromise, providing good drainage and easier access.
Starting from seeds vs seedlings
Decide on seeds or seedlings for your vegetable garden | Source: iStock
Starting from seeds gives you more choices and can be more cost-effective, but requires more time and care. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
Seedlings, on the other hand, provide a quicker start and are less prone to early-stage problems. They’re a good option if you’re short on time or new to gardening. Whichever you choose, ensure they receive plenty of light to prevent leggy growth.
Transplanting and spacing
When transplanting seedlings, plant them deeper than they were in their original container—up to their first set of leaves. This encourages a stronger root system. Space determinate varieties about 60cm apart, and indeterminate varieties about 90cm apart.
If you’re planning on planting in rows, leave 1-1.5m between rows. Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide support structures like stakes or cages early on to avoid disturbing established roots later.
Tomato growing tips
Tomatoes can be grown in the garden or in a pot / Source: Shutterstock
Nurturing your tomato plants with proper care will ensure a bountiful harvest. Remember these tips to give your tomatoes proper care.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Irregular watering can lead to blossom end rot or fruit splitting.
Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch around your plants. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilising: Start with a balanced fertiliser at planting time. Follow up with a phosphorus-rich fertiliser when flowers appear, then switch to a potassium-rich one as fruits develop.
Pruning: For indeterminate varieties, remove suckers (shoots growing between the main stem and branches) for better air circulation and fruit production.
Supporting: Install stakes, cages, or trellises early to support the plants as they grow. This prevents damage to the root system and keeps the fruits off the ground.
Pest control: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Use organic methods like neem oil or pyrethrum spray for common issues, and consider crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Companion planting: Grow basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums near your tomatoes to drive away pests and attract beneficial insects.
Harvesting: Pick tomatoes when they’re fully coloured but still firm. Leaving them on the vine too long can attract pests and reduce overall yield.
Fruit fly management: In areas prone to fruit fly, use exclusion bags on developing fruit or set up pheromone traps to protect your crop.
End-of-season care: As the season ends, remove any green tomatoes and ripen them indoors. Prepare your garden for winter and clear away plant debris to prevent pests and diseases.
Contact local gardening experts
A red, ripe, and ready tomato harvest
Growing your own tomatoes in Australia can be a rewarding experience, but it requires knowing how and when to grow tomatoes. From preparing the soil to choosing the right tomato variety and understanding the local climate, there are many factors to consider.
While you can certainly tackle tomato growing on your own, hiring a local gardener can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Get some advice from your gardener on which varieties will grow best in the area you live in and begin growing tomatoes in your garden.
FAQs on growing tomatoes
What to grow with tomatoes?
Companion planting can benefit tomatoes. Consider growing some plants that also thrive in warm weather, like basil, marigolds, carrots, onion or garlic. However, avoid planting tomatoes near potatoes and brassicas to avoid them from competing for nutrients and possible infection.
How long does it take a tomato plant to grow?
The time from seed to harvest varies depending on the tomato variety and growing conditions, which influences when to plant tomatoes.
Generally, determinate varieties take about 60–80 days to produce fruit, while indeterminate varieties can take 70–100 days. Some cherry tomato varieties may produce fruit even faster. Factors like temperature, sunlight, water, and soil quality can all affect the growth rate.
What seasons do tomatoes grow in?
Tomatoes are warm-season crops. They grow best in:
Spring and summer in cooler climates
Year-round in tropical and subtropical areas
Autumn and winter in hot regions
How long is the tomato growing season?
The length of the tomato growing season in Australia depends on the variety and climate. Determinate varieties typically produce fruit for 4-6 weeks before tapering off. Indeterminate varieties can continue producing for several months if conditions remain favorable. In ideal climates with mild winters, some indeterminate varieties can even produce year-round.
However, most gardeners experience a growing season that lasts from late spring through early autumn, roughly 3-5 months in total.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Local climate, chosen varieties, and care practices will influence your tomato growing experience.
