Perhaps the most versatile of garden produce, many of us love the juicy sweetness of fresh tomatoes in a salad and the aromatic, peppery taste tomatoes bring to sauces, soups, and stews. Here’s some tips for growing this fruit.
Choose the right variety for your garden
Determinate tomatoes grow into a strong, upright bushy shape and can be cultivated in a growbag, a sunny border or a greenhouse. Indeterminate tomatoes are usually grown in pots or hanging baskets, and their stems trail downwards, with cordon varieties supported by a stake. Once you’ve decided on a type, your choice of variety depends on whether you want the sweetness of cherry and plum tomatoes, the meatiness of beefsteak tomatoes or the juiciness of Campari tomatoes.
Plenty of room and sunlight
All tomato varieties need plenty of space. Plant no more than two to three plants per grow bag, and make sure you allow for upward growth if you’re planting in a greenhouse. Plant your seedlings deep to encourage maximum root development. Tomatoes need full sun and thrive in natural light, so put them in the sunniest spot possible, which might be close to your rattan garden furniture so you can monitor progress daily. Mulch round the base once the weather warms up to keep in heat and to help with water retention.
Pinch out and remove suckers
When your plants reach three feet tall, remove the oldest leaves from the bottom foot of the plant to encourage bushier growth, and once your plant has flowered, keep pinching off suckers below the flower heads, as these won’t produce fruit and divert vital energy from the plant.
Finally, water your tomatoes regularly – ideally, a quick spray early in the morning and a more extended soaking just before sunset. If you go away on holiday, invest in a timed irrigation system, or ask a friendly neighbour to help.
With the proper care, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards with some delicious, home-grown tomatoes to enjoy.
