There’s something special about growing your own tomatoes. Whether it’s the satisfaction of nurturing them from tiny seedlings, or that first juicy bite of a sun-warmed tomato picked fresh from the vine – they’re one of those plants that really make gardening feel worth it.
If you're thinking of growing tomatoes this year, here’s everything you need to know to keep them happy, healthy, and bursting with flavour.
First Things First: Tomatoes Love the Sun
Tomatoes thrive in sunny spots. They need around 6–8 hours of direct sunlight a day, so whether you're planting in pots, grow bags, or a greenhouse, be sure to choose a bright, sheltered spot.
If you’re working with a smaller space like a patio or balcony, don’t worry – there are compact or bush varieties that are perfect for containers and still produce loads of fruit.
Choosing Your Variety
Tomatoes aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are lots of types to choose from, depending on what you’re growing them for:
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Cherry tomatoes – small, sweet, and perfect for snacking
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Beefsteak tomatoes – big, juicy, and ideal for burgers and salads
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Roma/plum tomatoes – less watery and great for cooking
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Bush varieties – easygoing and great for pots
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Cordon (or vine) varieties – taller and need a bit more care, but often give bigger yields
If you’re just getting started, cherry or bush types are a great place to begin.
Planting Tips
Tomatoes need a rich, well-draining compost. If you’re planting in pots or grow bags, make sure they’re deep enough (around 30cm) to give the roots space to grow.
Here’s a simple planting tip: bury them deeper than you think! Tomato stems can develop roots along their length, so planting them deep helps them grow stronger and sturdier.
Watering & Feeding
Tomatoes are thirsty, but not too thirsty – it’s all about balance.
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Water regularly, ideally in the morning.
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Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
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Try to water the base of the plant, not the leaves – this helps prevent disease.
Once the flowers appear, start feeding weekly with a tomato feed rich in potassium. This helps promote flower and fruit growth (rather than just lots of leaves).
Supporting Your Plants
If you’re growing cordon varieties, they’ll need support as they grow taller. Bamboo canes, tomato spirals, or even string support in a greenhouse can do the job.
You’ll also want to pinch out side shoots (those little growths between the main stem and branches). This encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit, rather than growing wild.
When to Harvest
Tomatoes are ready when they’re fully coloured and feel slightly soft to the touch. A gentle twist should be enough to lift them from the vine.
And while shop-bought tomatoes are often picked early and ripened off the plant, nothing beats the flavour of a tomato ripened fully in the sun.
Common Tomato Troubles
A few things to keep an eye on:
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Split skins – usually caused by inconsistent watering.
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Blight – a fungal disease more common in wet weather. Remove affected leaves and keep airflow around the plant.
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Greenfly or aphids – wipe them off or spray with soapy water.
A little attention goes a long way, and you’ll usually spot problems before they get too serious.
Final Thoughts
Tomatoes are a brilliant crop for gardeners of all experience levels. They're fairly easy to grow, incredibly rewarding, and bring a burst of colour and flavour to your garden (and your plate).
So whether you're planting just a couple in pots or filling a greenhouse, give it a go – your summer salads will thank you for it.
Happy growing!