Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Melbourne?

If you are a gardening enthusiast in Melbourne, you might be wondering whether it's too late to plant tomatoes. With late spring turning to summer, you might be concerned about whether your tomato plants will survive and produce a bountiful harvest. So, let's delve into this question and help you make an informed decision.

The optimal time to plant tomatoes in Melbourne

The ideal time to plant tomatoes in Melbourne is in spring, from late September to early November. This is because tomatoes thrive in warm weather, and planting them during this period ensures that they have plenty of time to establish themselves before winter. However, if you missed this window, don't worry, as there are still a few things you can do to catch up.

What you should consider before planting tomatoes

Before planting tomatoes, it's important to consider a few factors that affect their growth and productivity. One of the critical factors is the soil temperature. Tomatoes prefer soil temperatures between 18-25°C, and planting them in colder soil can cause stunted growth or even death. Therefore, it's advisable to measure the soil temperature using a soil thermometer to determine whether it's suitable for planting.

Another crucial factor to consider is the tomato variety. Some tomato varieties take longer to mature than others, and planting a late-maturing variety in late spring might not give you ample time to harvest before the end of summer. Conversely, planting a quick-maturing variety gives you a better chance of harvesting before the cooler temperatures set in.

What to do if you missed the optimal planting window

So, what if you missed the optimal planting window, and it's already late spring or early summer? The good news is that you can still plant tomatoes, but you might need to take some measures to give them the best chance of survival and productivity.

You can start by selecting quick-maturing tomato varieties that take less than 70 days to mature. Some of the popular fast-maturing tomato varieties in Melbourne include Stupice, Early Girl, and Bush Early Girl. These varieties are ideal for late planting and still produce a good harvest before the temperature drops too low.

Another way to ensure that your tomatoes thrive is to choose a sunny and sheltered spot for planting. Tomatoes need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and protection from the wind. You can also plant them in a raised garden bed or pot to retain warmth and improve drainage.

The benefits of planting tomatoes in late spring/early summer

Planting tomatoes in late spring or early summer has several benefits. Firstly, since most gardeners plant their tomatoes in early spring, you might enjoy better prices on seedlings or plants. Additionally, late planting allows you to evade the early-season pest infestations that can sabotage early spring plantings.

Furthermore, late plantings are less susceptible to blossom end rot, a common problem for early plantings. Blossom end rot occurs due to low soil moisture, and late spring or early summer typically has more consistent rainfall, reducing the chances of this problem.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question- is it too late to plant tomatoes in Melbourne? The answer depends on several factors, including the tomato variety, soil temperature, and planting location. While spring is the ideal time to plant tomatoes, late spring or early summer planting is still possible, especially if you select quick-maturing varieties and provide suitable growing conditions.

With the right planning and execution, you can look forward to a hearty and delicious tomato harvest regardless of the season.