Getting started
Choose a sunny place for your tomato crops that is sheltered from strong winds.
Labour weekend is known as the traditional tomato planting time but tomato seedlings are usually available in garden centres from August.

Planting
Prepare the soil in the garden by digging it over with a fork or trowel.
If planting in rows in the garden, plant 60cm – 80cm apart.
Water well to ensure the soil is moist and ready for planting.
Dig a hole twice the size and depth as the rootball of the plant. Half fill the hole with Tui Tomato Mix. Place plant in the centre and fill in with Tui Tomato Mix. Pat gently and water well.
Tui Tomato Mix contains all the nutrients tomatoes need to grow including Potash and Saturaid.
Stake each seedling when it is young.
If planting into a container it needs to be at least 30 litres in size. Just fill the container and use Tui Tomato Mix.

Maintenance
Water tomatoes regularly, preferably in the morning 2 or 3 times a week, but never in the middle of the day.
Apply Saturaid to soil surrounding plants; this will draw water to the roots where it is needed most.
Remove laterals, these are the side branches that appear above the leaves on the main trunk of the plant. Laterals suck a lot of goodness from the plant and limit fruit production.
Tomatoes are susceptible to various diseases, the most common being blossom end rot. This can be caused by various factors including low levels of calcium. The best way to prevent blossom end rot is consistency of care, especially being careful to ensure soil doesn't dry out.

Fertilising
Add Tui Tomato Food to replace nutrients taken from the soil and ensure you get the most out of your
tomato plants. It will also encourage plants to produce flowers and fruit rather than more leaves.
Apply 100g at planting stage and side dress monthly.
Always water plant food in well.
For container crops, a soluble fertiliser such as Miracle Gro Tomatoes is quick and easy to use.

Let a few tomatoes drop on to the ground so they can be covered over and they will self seed for next year’s tomato crop.