How To Grow: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an easy vegetable to grow for the new gardener and perfect for a child’s project. As there are so many varieties readily available, there is bound to be something just right for your space. There are some tomatoes that will grow quite happily in containers and hanging baskets, others, if there is a warm sheltered spot, are just right for garden borders and most will thrive in a greenhouse.

The first thing to do is choose a variety of tomato to suit your conditions, but remember that wherever you grow them they will all require plenty of light, warmth, food and water. Whatever size space you have at your disposal, simply follow the step by step guide below to enjoy sweet, tasty fruits this year

Start by filling a number of 8cm fibre pots – depending on the size of crop you want – with good quality compost, firm down lightly and water gently. Sow two seeds per pot and cover them with a thin layer of sieved compost or vermiculite. Enclose the pots either in a plastic bag or better still a propagator and place on a windowsill. You should see the first shoots appear in around 14 days. Remove the weaker of the two to give the stronger seedling plenty of room to develop. Keep the compost moist but not saturated and with gentle warmth and light, the tiny tomato will romp away.

It will be time to move the tomato seedlings on when you can see the roots growing through the bottom and sides of the fibre pot. Next, plant the whole thing, complete with the little tomato plant, into a 12.5 cm plant pot. This pot will remain its home until after the first truss of flowers appears. Water little and often and because the seedling will have used up the nutrients contained in the sowing compost, add general liquid feed at the same time. To encourage flowers and therefore fruit, add some high potash food when the flowers appear. Always use plant food in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as too much can be detrimental to the plant.

Your tomatoes will be ready to plant in their final positions after the first truss of flowers appears.

There are two types of tomato plant: the Bush (Determinate) and the Cordon (Indeterminate).

The bush varieties do not require any pruning and are suitable for hanging baskets and containers. The Cordon is grown as a straight stem supported on a wire or garden cane. Only allow the main stem to grow; pinch out any side shoots that appear.

Hanging baskets: Look for bush varieties of tomato as they do not need their side shoots pinched out. Grow one or two plants in a 14 inch basket in good quality compost mixed with water retaining granules and a slow release food. These baskets not only look decorative but are extremely productive. Remember to water well which in the warm summer months may mean twice a day.

Grow bags: Are suitable for both Bush and Cordon varieties. Grow two to three plants in one grow bag. Begin by shaking the bag to remove the lumps and level the compost. Puncture the base to form drainage holes and cut out the planting holes in the plastic. Remove a little of the compost and place in the root ball, covering it with the removed compost. Insert garden canes or wires attached to a frame and tie in the stem as it grows, usually every 3-5 inches or so.

The garden border: If you are lucky enough to garden in a warmer part of the UK, you can grow a number of varieties in the garden but choose only those suitable for outdoor culture.

Published March 16th, 2015 by Jordan. Article ref 3678

Tags: tomatoes

« How to grow: Sweet Peas | How To Take Cuttings »