Growing Tomatoes

Tomatoes are usually one of the first things to have a go at growing from seed; easy to germinate; they mature at a steady pace and produce a very rewarding amount of juicy fruits to pick. They can be grown in a greenhouse or outdoors in a sheltered spot. As they grow, they will need supporting with canes and twine and watering regularly. Once a week, as the fruits form, a liquid feed needs to be given as they are very hungry plants.

Raising from seed...

Tomatoes can be started off as early as January/February, we always sow tomato seeds the first week in January to give them a long growing season. If you haven't had a chance to grow from seed don't worry, all garden centres will be stocking a number of different varieties for you to choose from.

First, fill trays with sieved compost, water, then thinly sow the seeds over the surface, covering over with a thin layer of sieved compost. Label, cover with newspaper or a plastic fitted cover and keep the seeds warm (18c/ 65f), on a window sill or in a propagator will do very nicely. As the seeds begin to emerge (after about 7 to 10 days) , remove the newspaper to show them some light.

Potting on...

After 12 days or so they will be ready to transport into single pots. Carefully lift the seedlings one at a time using a dibber. Fill some 3in pots with compost and make a hole in the middle big enough to drop the seedling into, gently firm in, then water little and often. Once the tomatoes are 6- 9ins tall with the first flowers on one of the trusses, you can plant out, either into large pots, grow bags or straight into open ground at 18ins apart in early June. Remeber to water them well before transplanting.

Watering and feeding...

Water regularly and feed weekly as they grow, support each plant with a bamboo cane and loosely tied garden twine. Remove any side shoots as the plant develops, and as the fruit swells, nip out the top two leaves to stop the plant from getting any taller. This will concentrate all the tomato plant's energy on the ripening fruits. As the plant become heavy with ripening fruit it's a good idea to remove any large leaves that are shading them. Pick tomatoes as they become ripe.

Harvesting...

At the end of the season when the tomato plants are looking tired and spent, you can still collect all the unripened fruits. Keep them on a window sill with one or two ripe ones for a week or so, or try a banana, as they also help fruit to ripen. Green tomatoes of course make excellent chutneys so don't let any go to waste, check out my recipe pages for ideas.

Pests...

Tomatoes can have many, such as white fly, fungal diseases, potato blight and the like, and there are many treatments for them. However, if your plants are well feed and watered and in a ventilated area, but out of harsh winds, they should be able to fend for themselves. Always check your crop for any pests and remove any leaves with black spots before the disease can spread.

Planting guide...

Tomato varieties...

Costoluto Fiorentino	Principe Borghese	Rio Grande
An old-fashioned, mishapen, heavy, ribbed beef tomato. Buy now.	An Italian vine tomato, ideal for salads. Buy now	A pear shaped tomato, ideal for cooking sauces. Buy now.
San Marzano 2
A classic Italian plum tomato, perfect for cooking and passata Buy now