Lexi Webster
Growing organic tomatoes in Australia is a rewarding process that anyone can do with patience and care. Tomatoes are easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are one of the most popular garden edibles and have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. They are a household staple commonly used in dishes like pasta marinara, Caprese salad, salsa, bruschetta, and soups. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to grow organic tomatoes in Australia, from choosing the right variety to preparing the perfect soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Temperate, tropical, subtropical, cool, cold |
| Lighting | Sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sun a day; up to 12 hours when fully developed |
| Watering | Keep the soil moist, but not wet; water regularly, ideally in the morning |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich, with a slightly neutral to acidic pH (around 6.0 to 7.0) |
| Soil preparation | Add organic matter, compost, well-rotted manure, or Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser |
| Mulch | Yes, use organic mulch, or Yates Dynamic Lifter 4-in-1 Mulch |
| Fertiliser | Potassium-rich, such as Yates Thrive Tomato Liquid Plant Food |
| Pots | Choose a pot at least 40 cm wide and deep and fill with Yates Premium Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter |
| Planting depth | Plant tomatoes a little deeper than usual to encourage root growth along the stem |
| Rotation | Rotate tomatoes each year and never plant them in the same bed two years running |
| Support | Tall-growing tomatoes will require stakes for support; indeterminate tomatoes can be grown on a trellis |
| Types | Determinate (bushy, compact, concentrated harvest) and indeterminate (vining, slow and steady supply of fruit) |
| Pests and diseases | Aphids, mites, whitefly, caterpillars, fruit fly |
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What You'll Learn
- Soil preparation: Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
- Climate and lighting: Temperate climate with 6-12 hours of sun daily
- Watering: Keep soil moist, water early in the morning
- Staking and support: Use stakes for tall varieties, trellis for vine types
- Pests and diseases: Common issues include aphids, mites, caterpillars, and fruit fly
Soil preparation: Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Tomatoes grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, it's important to improve the soil quality by adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or a fertiliser like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. Well-rotted compost is ideal as it is high in organic matter. If growing in pots, choose a pot that is at least 40 cm wide and deep and fill it with a potting mix that includes a soil improver.
Tomatoes are sensitive to frost, so it is important to wait until after the last chance of frost has passed before planting them outside. If you are in a frosty climate, you can protect your plants by covering them with a shade cloth or growing them in pots that can be moved indoors if necessary.
Tomatoes are warm-season plants that thrive in warm, sunny environments where temperatures average between 21 and 29°C. They require at least six hours of sun a day, and up to 12 hours when they are fully developed. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden, usually facing north, northeast, or northwest, to give your plants the best chance of success.
It is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet, and to water regularly throughout the growing season. Watering in the morning is best, and you should only water when the soil starts to dry out slightly. Applying a layer of mulch will help to retain soil moisture and protect the root system.
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Climate and lighting: Temperate climate with 6-12 hours of sun daily
Tomatoes can be grown in all climate zones around Australia, but the requirements differ depending on the climate. In a temperate climate, tomatoes should be sown in spring. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day, and up to 12 hours when they are fully developed and growing. The sunniest spot in your garden is generally in the north, northeast or northwest, which will give you the best results for a large crop due to consistent sunlight exposure. Tomatoes can get sunburnt, so consider adding a shade cloth for protection on extremely hot days.
Tomatoes are warm-season plants and are frost-sensitive. If you are in a frosty climate, they will need protection at the beginning and end of the growing season. This can be done by covering plants with a shade cloth or growing in pots that can be moved easily if frost is forecast.
Tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and are low-maintenance. They are suited to a temperate climate and enjoy warm, sunny environments where temperatures average between 21 and 29°C. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you have limited outdoor space or live in a colder climate, you can grow tomatoes in pots indoors, provided they get enough sun.
Tomatoes are vine fruits and need to be supported by a trellis. Tall-growing tomatoes will require stakes for support, so it is best to put these in at the beginning to avoid damaging the plant roots later.
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Watering: Keep soil moist, water early in the morning
Watering is an important aspect of growing organic tomatoes in Australia. It is recommended to keep the soil moist—not too dry or too wet. Watering should be done regularly throughout the growing season, ideally in the early morning. Morning watering allows the plant to make the most of the day's sun and heat to dry out slightly before nightfall, reducing the risk of overwatering and potential root rot.
When establishing your tomato plants, water them well, and as they become more established, you can reduce the frequency of watering. In very hot weather, daily watering may be necessary, while in cooler conditions, once a week is usually sufficient. A good indicator of when to water is to observe the growing points of the plant. During the heat of the day, it is normal for the young tips to wilt slightly.
To retain soil moisture, applying a layer of mulch around the root zone is recommended. This will also protect the delicate root system. As an organic alternative to mulch, you can use well-rotted compost or manure.
Watering is crucial, but it is equally important not to overwater your tomato plants. Tomatoes are prone to diseases, and overwatering can increase the risk of certain fungal infections, such as sclerotina, which is more prevalent in wet and humid conditions. Therefore, finding the right balance of moisture in the soil is essential for the health of your tomato plants.
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Staking and support: Use stakes for tall varieties, trellis for vine types
Staking and support are important considerations when growing organic tomatoes in Australia. Tall-growing tomato varieties will require stakes for support, so it is recommended to put these in place early to avoid damaging the plant roots later. Use sturdy stakes, such as 1.6-metre bamboo stakes, and place them in the ground around your tomato plants. For tall varieties, gently tie the main stems to the stakes with plant ties or pieces of old hosiery as the plants grow. This will provide the necessary support for the heavy fruit and help the plants grow tall and strong.
Alternatively, for vine-like indeterminate tomato varieties, a trellis system can be used for support. Trellises allow the tomato plants to grow vertically, saving space and improving air circulation. You can build a teepee tunnel above your plants using bamboo stakes and string. Train the tomato stems to weave around the trellis as they grow by gently tying them or guiding them through the trellis. This method is especially useful if your plants are becoming unwieldy, as it provides a neat and structured growth pattern.
It is important to note that determinate tomatoes, which have a compact, bushy growth habit, typically do not require staking or support. These varieties grow to a fixed mature size and produce fruit within a concentrated period. On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes are vining plants that continue to extend in length and produce fruit more slowly throughout the growing season. Therefore, they benefit from the support provided by staking or trellising.
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Pests and diseases: Common issues include aphids, mites, caterpillars, and fruit fly
Pests and diseases are common issues when growing organic tomatoes in Australia. Some of the most prevalent issues include aphids, mites, caterpillars, and fruit flies.
Caterpillars, also known as budworms (Helicoverpa spp.), are a common spring pest in Australia, especially in the sub-tropics. The eggs of the caterpillar are laid by a moth, typically on the leaves of tomato plants. After hatching, the caterpillars feed on the leaves before moving on to the flowers and then the developing fruit. To control caterpillars, it is recommended to use organic or eco-friendly products. One method is to physically pick them off the plants as you see them. Alternatively, you can spray the plants with OCP eco-caterpillar killer or eco-friendly products like Dipel or spinosad. However, it is important to spray the leaves and flowers as soon as flower buds appear and to reapply after rain.
Fruit flies are another significant pest in Australia, particularly along the east coast and inland regions. They are active in spring, summer, and autumn and pose a threat to tomatoes and other soft fruits. Female fruit flies lay their eggs in the skins of tomatoes, and the resulting maggots feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot. To control fruit flies, it is suggested to use organic bait sprays or set up exclusion netting or bags. Additionally, you can use low-toxic, organic lures that attract female fruit flies by offering them protein and sugar. These lures contain insecticides derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria, which the flies ingest and die before laying their eggs. However, it is important to reapply the bait frequently, especially after rainfall or heavy watering.
Aphids and mites are also common pests when growing tomatoes. Both can be treated with OCP eco-oil, but it is essential to spray at the first sign of an infestation before the population escalates. Red spider mites, in particular, are a common issue for greenhouse gardeners and can also colonise outdoor plants during warm summer months.
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Frequently asked questions
Tomatoes can be grown in all climate zones around Australia, but the requirements differ. In tropical and subtropical climates, they can be grown all year round, but are best in autumn and winter during the dry season. In temperate, cool and cold climates, sow from spring.
Tomatoes grow best in rich, well-drained soil. Improve the soil with plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance soil fertility.
There are hundreds of tomato varieties with different uses and flavours. Some popular varieties include Green Zebra, Black Russian, Mortgage Lifter, and Tommy Toe's Gen Y. You can also choose between determinate and indeterminate types depending on your gardening goals and available space.
Aphids, mites, whiteflies, caterpillars, and fruit flies are common pests that can affect tomatoes. Target spots, bacterial speck, and Sclerotina are some diseases that can occur, but they are rarely life-threatening.
