Tomatoes

Alright, let's talk tomatoes! These garden superstars are a firm favourite for a reason. There's nothing quite like biting into a sun-ripened, homegrown tomato, is there? Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete newbie, growing tomatoes can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, with so many delicious tomato varieties available, you're bound to find one (or several!) you love. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to grow these beauties, from seed to juicy harvest.

TL;DR: Tomato Growing Made Easy

Start seeds indoors from late February to mid-April, depending on whether you have a heated greenhouse, unheated greenhouse, or just a sunny windowsill. Transplant outdoors in late May or early June when the risk of frost has passed. Water regularly, feed every 7-10 days with a high-potash feed, and watch out for pests and diseases. Harvest your delicious tomatoes from July to October!

Getting Started: Sowing Tomato Seeds

The first step in your tomato growing journey is sowing those tiny seeds. When you do this depends on your growing setup. If you've got a heated greenhouse, you can start as early as late February. For outdoor growing or an unheated greenhouse/sunny windowsill, wait until late March or early to mid-April. The key is to make sure temperatures are consistently above 12°C (54°F) before you sow.

Grab some small pots or seed trays and fill them with seed compost. Lightly cover the seeds with compost and give them a gentle watering. I tend to sow a few seeds per pot, then thin them out later to make sure the strongest plants get the space they need to thrive. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and aim for a temperature of 18-21°C (64-70°F) for the best germination.

Potting On: Giving Seedlings Room to Grow

Once your seedlings have developed their first true leaves (those leaves after the initial seed leaves), it's time to pot them on. Use a peat-free potting compost and gently transplant each seedling into its own pot, being careful not to damage those delicate roots. Plant them a bit deeper than they were before and place them back in a warm, light spot, keeping the soil moist.

Planting Out: Time to Get Outdoors

When all danger of frost has passed, usually from late May to early June in the UK, it’s time for the big move outdoors. Before planting, I like to warm the soil for a few days with a fleece or cloche to give my tomatoes the best possible start. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot if planting outdoors. Whether you're planting directly in the ground, grow bags, or large pots, dig a hole, add some compost, and gently remove your tomato plant from its pot, being careful not to disturb the roots. Support the plant with a stake and water it well. Space your plants about 45-60cm apart, depending on the variety you're growing.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants

Tomato care is pretty straightforward. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry spells, but try to avoid splashing the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Once the first fruits start to form, give them a liquid feed high in potash every 7-10 days. If you’re growing indeterminate (cordon) types, pinch out those side shoots to encourage fruiting. I like to use stakes, canes, or a trellis to support the plants as they grow. Keep a close eye on them for any signs of pests and diseases and deal with any issues promptly.

Harvesting Your Bounty

The most satisfying part of growing tomatoes is, of course, the harvest! They are usually ready from July to October. You will notice that the fruits will change colour (usually red, but it can vary by variety) and feel slightly soft to the touch. Pick them by gently twisting them off the plant. If you're growing green tomatoes, harvest them when they're the correct size for the variety.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems

Even the most experienced gardeners can face a few tomato-related challenges. Blossom end rot, showing up as a brown patch on the bottom of the fruit, is often due to a calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering. Tomato blight is a fungal disease you will see as brown patches on leaves and stems, especially during wet summers. Whitefly and aphids are also common pests. There are organic solutions to all of these problems, such as insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators like ladybirds.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to growing delicious tomatoes. With a little patience and care, you'll be enjoying your own homegrown crop in no time! Happy gardening!