Tips for growing tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow and from May onwards conditions are usually just right for them.
Whether you’re growing them in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or outdoors, success comes down to warmth, light and consistent care.
Young tomato plants can be planted out once the risk of frost has passed. In colder areas, it’s wise to harden plants off first by placing them outdoors during the day and bringing them in at night for a week.
Choose the right spot
Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, as tomatoes thrive in at least six hours of sunlight a day. They grow best in fertile, free‑draining soil enriched with compost or well‑rotted manure.
Plant tomatoes deeply, burying part of the stem, as this encourages extra roots and stronger growth. Outdoor varieties (bush or determinate types) suit beds and containers, while cordon varieties are ideal for greenhouses and need staking or string support.
Watch your watering
Watering is crucial. Tomatoes prefer regular, deep watering rather than little and often. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, especially once flowers and fruit appear.
Irregular watering can cause problems such as split fruit or blossom end rot. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
What to do in June
From June onwards, feed plants weekly with a high‑potash tomato fertiliser to support flowering and fruiting. For cordon varieties, pinch out side-shoots regularly to focus energy on fruit production. Ensure good ventilation in greenhouses to reduce the risk of disease.
Pick your tomatoes
By July and August, you can expect a steady harvest. Pick tomatoes as they ripen for the best flavour and enjoy the fruits of your summer growing efforts well into early autumn.
Get more top tips
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