How To Grow Tomatoes
There's nothing better than a bountiful crop of red, juicy tomatoes grown straight from your garden. Tomato plants are a great addition to any vegetable garden and you won't regret sowing and growing them from seed.
It's all your choice, growing them in your garden means you can grow your favourite varieties of tomatoes. Cherry Tomatoes for salads and beefsteak varieties for sandwiches.
Growing tomatoes from seed will mean that you have full control over the growing process and it gives you the ability to grow an organic tomato plant without the use of any chemicals.
Whether you're an expert or a beginner, our guide to growing tomatoes is going to give you all of the tips and tricks you need to grow tomato plants in your garden.
Choosing the Right Tomato Seeds
There are more than 10,000 varieties of tomato seeds to choose from and they are all different shapes, sizes and flavours - how exciting is that?!
It's important to think about the space you're going to plant tomatoes in and what variety would work best. Determinate tomatoes grow to a set height and produce a concentrated crop whereas indeterminate tomatoes are vining tomatoes and continue to grow, producing fruit all season.
Heirloom tomato plants produce a unique flavour and colour - they are sometimes more susceptible to diseases. Hybrid seeds are bred to be more disease resistant and productive.
Check the seed packet for more information on growing habits, time it takes to mature and productivity.
When to Start Tomato Seeds
Sow tomato seeds inside six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. For warm summer regions, the growing season could be late winter or early spring.
Seeds should germinate within 5 to 10 days in ideal conditions. In areas with a short growing season, consider starting seeds earlier or using season extenders like greenhouses or row covers to protect young plants.
Supplies for Starting Seeds
To sow and grow tomato seedlings in, use seed trays, peat pots and recycled containers with drainage holes. If you're planting decorative or compact varieties, hanging baskets can be used too.
Choose a light weight potting soil mix that is designed for seed starting, it should be sterile and free of large particles.
Use seed trays, peat pots, or recycled containers with drainage holes. Hanging baskets can be used for decorative, compact varieties.
Sowing Tomato Seeds
Sowing tomato seeds is the crucial first step in starting your own tomato plants. Begin by choosing a high-quality potting mix or a specialised seed-starting mix, which is essential for providing the right environment for your seeds to thrive. Sow tomato seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil, ensuring that they are evenly spaced to prevent overcrowding and allow for robust leaf growth. After sowing, lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently press down to ensure good contact between the seeds and the potting soil.
Maintaining the right moisture level is key during this stage. Keep the soil moist but avoid over watering, as waterlogged conditions can lead to seed rot. Use a spray bottle to mist the surface lightly or water from below by placing your seed trays in a shallow dish of water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up. This method helps avoid disturbing the seeds or compacting the soil.
At this stage, it’s important to provide adequate light. Tomato seedlings need 14-16 hours of light daily to prevent them from becoming leggy.
An Ideal Growing Environment
To create the ideal growing environment, cover the seed trays with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain humidity, which aids in germination. Place the trays in a warm area with a temperature of 70-80°F, as tomato seeds require consistent warmth to sprout. Within 5-10 days, your seeds should begin to germinate, and you’ll see the first signs of life as the seedlings emerge.
Caring for Seedlings
Once your tomato seedlings have sprouted, the focus shifts to ensuring they develop into strong, healthy young plants. Proper watering is essential during this stage. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal issues. It's best to water from the bottom by placing the seedling trays in a shallow dish of water, allowing the potting mix to absorb moisture without disturbing the delicate roots. As the seedlings grow, you can begin to fertilize them with a diluted organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or liquid seaweed. Start feeding when the seedlings develop their first true leaves, which will help boost their growth and ensure they have the nutrients needed to thrive.
Adequate light is crucial for healthy leaf growth. Seedlings require 14-16 hours of bright light daily. If natural sunlight is limited, use grow lights positioned just a few inches above the plants. Adjust the height of the lights as the seedlings grow to prevent them from becoming leggy and weak. Proper lighting will encourage the development of strong stems and lush foliage.
As your tomato crop grows, you may need to thin out the seedlings to avoid overcrowding, leaving the strongest ones to continue growing. If you notice that the seedlings are becoming tall and spindly, it may be a sign that they need more light. Additionally, gently brushing the tops of the seedlings with your hand or a soft object a few times a day can stimulate stronger stem growth.
Pruning may also be necessary, especially for indeterminate varieties that will eventually need to be trained to grow vertically. Removing the lower leaves as the seedlings grow taller can prevent the development of diseases and encourage airflow around the base of the plants. With proper care, your young tomato plants will be well on their way to becoming robust and productive, ready for transplanting into the garden or larger containers.
Transplanting Tomatoes
Transplanting tomatoes is a crucial step in their growth. Once your seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 60°F, it's time to move them to their final location.
Transplant tomatoes into well-prepared garden soil or containers, burying the stems deeper than they were in their pots to encourage stronger root growth. Space the tomato plants 18-24 inches apart, and water them thoroughly after planting. Adding organic mulch around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Tomato Growing Problems and Solutions
Tomatoes can face several challenges, but many issues are preventable with the right care. Blossom end rot is a common problem caused by inconsistent watering and calcium deficiency; maintain even moisture levels and avoid high nitrogen fertilisers.
Tomato blight, a fungal disease that leads to dark spots on leaves and fruit, can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation, mulching, and avoiding overhead watering. Insect pests like aphids and horn worms can be controlled by encouraging beneficial insects or using organic insecticides.
Finally, if your plants produce few fruits, it might be due to environmental stress, like hot weather—ensure proper watering and consider shading during peak heat to support fruit development.
Harvesting Tomatoes
Harvesting tomatoes at the right time ensures the best flavour and texture. Ripe tomatoes should be fully coloured, whether red, yellow, or another hue, and slightly soft to the touch. Harvest tomatoes by gently twisting or cutting them off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. If you have green tomatoes at the end of the season, they can be ripened indoors by placing them in a warm spot or in a paper bag with an apple or banana. For the best taste, store tomatoes at room temperature and avoid refrigeration, which can diminish their flavour. Enjoy your ripe fruit fresh or preserve them for later use in sauces and other dishes.