Tomato

Growing Guide

Sow seeds February to April on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed sowing mix and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place seed trays in a propagator until after germination. When seedlings gain 2 true leaves, transplant into individual 7.5cm pots, and grow on.

In a greenhouse tomato plants may be transplanted at the end of May or when the first flowers are showing, if earlier. Allow 3 plants per growbag, or one per 25cm pot, or plant directly into the greenhouse soil.



When growing tomatoes outdoors, wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out from early June when plants are at least 20cm tall. Choose a sheltered position in full sun on fertile, reliably moist, well drained soil, and transplant at a distance of 60cm apart.

TOP TIPS

Even watering helps fruit development and should stave off blossom end rot.

When planting out tomatoes, a sprinkle of Epsom Salts in the planting hole will help development of a strong root system, provide magnesium which supports chlorophyll production and boost the flower and fruit production. You should still maintain a weekly feeding regime once the first truss has set.

For cordon varieties put a cane into the soil next to each plant to support them as they grow, and tie each main stem to its support with soft garden twine. From late June cut back the leaves by half to allow air to circulate and light to access the fruits, helping avoid blight and promote ripening. I