The garden area has been tilled and is now ready-so how to Plant Tomatoes in Australia::

• You can use seedlings that you grew or buy the best looking seedlings you can find. They should look healthy. The best seedlings should not show signs of any lack of water such as wilting or some dried leaves. The leaves must be without holes and not yellowing. Compact plants are better then leggy ones The seedlings should be planted about 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart depending upon the variety..

There are 2 different kinds for you to consider:

• Determinate- grow up looking more compact and usually do not require staking or a cage. These plants also have a shorter growing season .

• Indeterminate- can grow much higher and must be staked or caged as they are not very compact but instead grow up,up and away all season. If they are not supported in some way they will sprawl on the ground and when the leaves touch the soil they can become affected by fungus and bacteria. I use metal construction bars or you can use strong wooden poles as stakes or use Tomato cages.

When you plant your Tomatoes in Australia:.

• Plant the seedlings deep as Tomato plants can grow roots on any part of the stem. Because of that you can also plant them sideways especially in heavier soils. As you plant, add in some fertilizer ( I use dried cow manure) or compost. Press soil down to take out any air pockets. After setting up a few plantings, water them well from underneath and then finish planting some more. This is because they are under stress, so water as soon as possible.

• If you will be using stakes put them in next so you do not injure the roots. If you use cages you can wait a few days to allow yourself to have enough time and space to water easily daily for the 1st week. Pull soil up around the stem every day or 2 to give extra support and to keep roots covered due to rainstorms and watering that may wash soil away from the plant.

• To maximize the water supply where you want it to be, dig out carefully the soil about 8" from the plant and down enough to make a little well around it to retain rain water and extra irrigation water. The soil must be moist but don't overload it.

Use these tips and plant better Tomatoes in Australia.