It is tomato time !

The first to ripen in Southern Tasmania are varieties that produce small cherry tomatoes such as Tommy Toe and Sweet Bite. Early varieties such as Patio Prize and Stupice are also now beginning to produce. For other varieties such as Rouge de Marmande (see photo) it is early still, whereas varieties such as Grosse Lisse, really need to be seen as late varieties in Tasmania.

Every garden is different.  If frosts start early in the season in your garden, or you get shade later in the season, consider planting early cropping varieties.

Planting tomato seedlings deeply (some say to just below their first leaves) is a really good way to ensure that plants don't dry out.  It also means that air roots that form as the plant matures are in soil rather than just above it.  If you see nobbly bits appearing just above soil level, cover them with soil.

Sulphate of potash is an essential ingredient if you want to get the most out of your tomato plants.  A sprinkle around the roots every fortnight, once seedlings are established, will focus the plant on producing fruit rather than leaves.

Tomato seedlings planted in rich soil will grow really well, but fruit will form late.  Plant tomato seedlings in soil that has received little or no manure or compost in the last twelve months, and you will be much happier with the outcome.

It is easy to lose tomato plants just when they are on their way to producing a great crop.  The trick is to provide just the right amount of water.  Soil needs to be slightly moist below ground level, but not wet.  Too much water may rot roots.  Watering on leaves, rather than at soil level, may lead to diseases. 

Best of luck with your tomato crop!