Gardeners Guide · Grow your own
If you’re only going to grow one summer crop, tomatoes deserve serious consideration.
They’re ideal for greenhouses, patios and sunny gardens, and nothing quite compares with the smell and flavour of a freshly picked tomato.
Choosing Your Tomatoes
Tomatoes generally fall into two useful growing groups.
Cordon Tomatoes
Also called indeterminate tomatoes, these grow upwards on a main stem and usually need supporting and training.
Bush Tomatoes
Bush or determinate tomatoes stay more compact and generally require less training.
They’re often an excellent choice for pots and hanging baskets.
When Should You Sow Tomatoes?
Tomatoes need warmth to germinate, so UK gardeners usually start seeds indoors during late winter or spring.
Don’t start ridiculously early unless you can provide enough warmth and light.
A slightly later healthy seedling can quickly overtake a weak, leggy plant started too soon.
How to Sow Tomato Seeds
Fill small pots or trays with seed compost and sow according to the packet instructions.
Keep them somewhere warm until they germinate.
Once seedlings appear, move them somewhere with plenty of light.
As they grow, transplant seedlings into individual pots.
When Can Tomatoes Go Outside?
Tomatoes hate frost.
Outdoor plants shouldn’t be permanently moved outside until the risk of frost has passed in your area.
Before planting them outside, gradually harden them off by introducing them to outdoor conditions over several days.
Where Should Tomatoes Grow?
Give tomatoes as much sunshine as you reasonably can.
They can be grown in:
- Greenhouse borders
- Vegetable beds
- Large containers
- Grow bags
- Hanging baskets for suitable varieties
A sheltered, sunny position is ideal for outdoor plants.
Supporting Tomato Plants
Cordon varieties need support.
A sturdy cane or suitable string system can keep the main stem upright as it grows.
Tie stems loosely so you don’t damage them as they thicken.
What Are Tomato Side Shoots?
Cordon tomatoes commonly produce shoots between the main stem and leaves.
These are known as side shoots and are normally removed to maintain the plant’s trained structure.
Don’t automatically do this to bush tomatoes—the growing method is different.
Watering Tomatoes
Consistency is extremely important.
Allowing plants to become extremely dry and then flooding them can contribute to fruit problems such as splitting.
Containers and grow bags can dry rapidly during hot weather, so check them frequently.
Feeding Tomatoes
Once plants begin flowering and producing fruit, they’ll benefit from an appropriate tomato feed.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
More isn’t necessarily better.
When Are Tomatoes Ready?
For traditional red varieties, wait until the fruit has developed its mature colour and comes away readily.
Remember that not every tomato turns red—yellow, orange, purple and striped varieties are available too.
Are Tomatoes Worth Growing?
Without question.
They require more attention than some vegetables, but the reward is enormous.
Start with a couple of plants somewhere sunny and you’ll soon understand why tomatoes are one of Britain’s favourite home-grown crops.
Gardeners Guide — Grow Better. Garden Smarter
