How to Grow Tomatoes

Few things in gardening are as satisfying as harvesting your own sun-warmed tomatoes.

Whether grown in a greenhouse, on a sunny patio, or even in a window box, tomatoes are a staple of the British summer garden. They reward care and attention with bountiful, flavourful fruit - and growing them is far easier than many think.

Choosing the right variety is the first step to success.

For outdoor gardens, bush (determinate) types such as the Tumbling Tom are compact and reliable, perfect for pots or hanging baskets.

Cordon (indeterminate) types like Sungold, and Shirley produce long trusses of fruit and are ideal for greenhouses or sunny borders.

Cherry tomatoes are quick and sweet, while beefsteak types need more warmth and time but deliver impressive, meaty fruit.

Start tomato seeds indoors between late February and early April. Fill small pots or seed trays with fine seed compost, sowing each seed about 0.5 cm deep. Lightly water and cover with a clear lid or plastic wrap to retain warmth.

Place in a warm, bright spot (around 18–21°C) until germination occurs (usually within 10–14 days). Once seedlings have two true leaves, transplant each into its own small pot of peat-free multi-purpose compost. Handle them gently, holding by the leaves rather than stems. If the seedling is leggy, replant it more deeply, so the first pair of leaves is just above the compost surface.

If you prefer to buy young plants, we’ll have healthy plug plants from the spring, ready to pot on or plant out after the last frost.

Planting outdoors

Tomatoes can be planted outdoors from late May onwards, once all risk of frost has passed and night temperatures stay above 10°C. Choose your warmest, sunniest spot, sheltered from the wind. If growing in a greenhouse, you can plant two to three weeks earlier.

If planting in the ground, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure in early spring to build nutrient reserves. For containers, use a high-quality peat-free compost, ideally mixed with perlite or horticultural grit for improved drainage.

Before planting, rake the surface smooth and work in a balanced slow-release fertiliser or tomato feed to give young plants a strong start.

Plant each tomato deeply - bury the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage strong root development. For cordon varieties, insert a sturdy cane or support at planting time. Bush varieties need less structure but appreciate a small stake for stability.

Space plants about 45–60 cm apart in borders or large pots, and water thoroughly after planting. For containers, choose pots at least 30 cm deep and wide to allow the roots plenty of space.

Tomatoes can be planted outdoors from late May onwards, once all risk of frost has passed and night temperatures stay above 10°C. Choose your warmest, sunniest spot, sheltered from the wind. If growing in a greenhouse, you can plant two to three weeks earlier.

If planting in the ground, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure in early spring to build nutrient reserves. For containers, use a high-quality peat-free compost, ideally mixed with perlite or horticultural grit for improved drainage.

Before planting, rake the surface smooth and work in a balanced slow-release fertiliser or tomato feed to give young plants a strong start.

Plant each tomato deeply - bury the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage strong root development. For cordon varieties, insert a sturdy cane or support at planting time. Bush varieties need less structure but appreciate a small stake for stability.

Space plants about 45–60 cm apart in borders or large pots, and water thoroughly after planting. For containers, choose pots at least 30 cm deep and wide to allow the roots plenty of space.

Tomatoes thrive on consistent care. Keep the compost evenly moist, avoiding both drought and waterlogging. Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to reduce the risk of blight and mildew.

Feed weekly with a tomato fertiliser rich in potash once the first flowers form. This encourages fruit development and improves flavour.

For cordon types, remove side shoots (small stems growing between the main stem and leaves) regularly to focus growth on the central vine. Bush varieties can be left to grow naturally.

Maintain good airflow around plants, and mulch the soil with compost or straw to conserve moisture. In greenhouses, ventilate regularly to prevent humidity and disease.

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they’re fully coloured, firm yet slightly yielding to the touch, and easily twist off the vine. Most varieties begin cropping from July onwards, continuing into early autumn with regular picking.

Harvest frequently to encourage more fruit to ripen. If the weather turns cool, pick green tomatoes before the first frost and let them ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a paper bag with a ripe banana to speed up the process.

Homegrown tomatoes are unbeatable in flavour - sweet, fragrant, and sun-blushed. Even a few plants can provide weeks of delicious harvests.