Growing Tomatoes in the Tropics:

If you’re aiming to grow tomatoes in the tropics, it’s best to grow them in pots to avoid damage from bacterial wilt that is present in many of our soils. Our top tips will ensure you grow healthy and abundant yields.

 

1. Choosing Pots

  • Size: Use large pots (400-500mm) for bigger tomato plants and smaller ones (300mm) for patio or hanging tomatoes.
  • Material: Plastic pots are best for good drainage, lightweight handling, and reuse.

2. Finding the Right Location

  • Sun and Air: Position the pots in a sunny, breezy spot.
  • Elevation: Keep pots on pavers or another hard surface to avoid contact with soil bacteria.

3. Preparing the Potting Mix

  • Fill ¾ Full: Use Rocky Point Coco Pro for the base.
  • Top It Off: Mix in Rocky Point ActiveGrow for the top half, leaving a 5cm gap from the top.
  • Add Dolomite: One heaped tablespoon helps maintain calcium levels.

4. Planting Tomatoes

  • Start with Advanced Plants: These are easier to grow.   
  • Planting Depth: Remove lower leaves and plant halfway up the stem to encourage more roots.
  • Variety Mix: You can plant one or two tomato plants in each pot. It’s fine to mix different types.

5. Mulching and Supporting

  • Mulching: Use Rocky Point Sugarcane mulch to keep moisture in and cover the soil.
  • Support: Create a teepee with bamboo stakes or use a fence with soft ties for support.

6. Watering and Fertilizing

  • Watering: Water well until it flows out the pot’s bottom. Water daily when plants are fruiting.
  • Fertilizing: Once fruiting starts, fertilize every month with ½ cup of Organic Xtra and a dessert spoon of Nitrophoska.

7. Important Dos and Don’ts

  • Dos:
    • Water regularly and ensure the pot has proper drainage.
    • Tie the vines regularly to prevent snapping from the weight of the fruit.
    • Remove old foliage lower down the stem once fruit sets to focus energy on the fruit prodcution.
    • Manually remove pests daily instead of using pesticides.
  • Don’ts:
    • Don’t overwater when plants are small.
    • Avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal issues.

Following these tips will help you grow healthy and fruitful tomatoes in the tropics. Happy gardening!

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