Holly's Homestead — Nightshade
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum · Nightshade family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Annual (tender perennial), seedling
MATURITY 60–100 days
TYPE Annual (tender perennial), seedling
MATURITY 60–100 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Deep, consistent
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
45–60cm
Depth
deep — bury lower stem
01Stake early
Tomatoes are heavy, floppy plants once loaded with fruit. Stake or cage at planting time, not later — disturbing roots after the plant is established sets it back.
02Planting
Method
Plant seedlings deep, burying part of the stem — buried stem grows extra roots.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.
Timing
Plant after frost risk passes and nights are reliably mild.
03Growing care
- Stake or cage at planting.
- Water deeply at the base — wet leaves invite fungal disease.
- Remove lower leaves touching soil and side shoots on staked varieties.
- Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser once fruiting begins.
04Problems
- Blight — dark leaf and stem lesions in humid weather; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
- Blossom end rot — irregular watering or calcium deficiency; keep watering steady.
- Fruit fly — net or bag ripening fruit.
- Splitting — heavy rain after a dry spell; mulch to even out soil moisture.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour, slight give when gently squeezed.
Method
Twist or cut from the vine, leaving the calyx attached.
Curing
None needed — ripen on a windowsill if picked slightly early.
Storage
Room temperature for best flavour, used within a week. Never refrigerate.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BasilCarrotMarigoldAsparagusAvoid nearby
PotatoFennelBrassicasRotation note
Avoid following other nightshades for 2–3 years.