Growing tomatoes

It seems like everyone is growing tomatoes these days and they certainly are a favourite home-grown vegetable as you can grow them in a greenhouse, in the veg garden, in pots on the patio or even in hanging baskets! A little care and attention now will ensure bumper crops throughout the summer. You need to make sure the plants are kept well and evenly watered – if the soil or compost dries out then the crop is reduced, the fruit may split and even suffer from blossom end rot – now that’s when the bottom of the fruit turns black. Crops growing in growing-bags are always the worst affected as the compost dries out so quickly. A drip watering system will help get over this.

 

Tomatoes are also hungry feeders, and need a weekly diet of liquid tomato fertiliser – this not only improves the crop, but it improves the flavour too! Make sure your plants are well supported – so tie them in regularly to their supports, which should be strong and sturdy. Finally, always remove sideshoots from upright cordon varieties – this isn’t necessary with the smaller bush varieties – then remove yellowing or dying leaves and watch out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.

For all your tomato and gardening needs, visit one of our Exeter garden centres.