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Fruit
Tomato

Tomatoes in Barnwell

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomatoes are popular annual plants that produce juicy, colourful fruits and thrive in warm conditions. They are native to South America and come in two main types, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are bushy and self-supporting and indeterminate are tall plants that require staking and pruning.

Height180cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterHigh Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Tomato

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow tomatoes outdoors in a sunny, sheltered spot. This method is common in UK gardens but requires careful timing due to frost risks.

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    24 Feb – 11 Mar

    Sow seeds indoors in modules or small pots around 24th February - 11th March. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill at for germination. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

  2. Prick Out Seedlings

    17 Mar – 24 Mar

    Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 17th March - 24th March. Handle seedlings by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. Pot On Plants

    31 Mar – 7 Apr

    Move plants into larger pots around 31st March - 7th April to prevent root restriction. Use a good quality potting compost and water well after repotting to settle the roots.

  4. Harden Off Plants

    24 Apr – 1 May

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days starting around 24th April - 1st May. Place them outside in a sheltered spot during the day and bring in at night, increasing exposure each day.

  5. Transplant Outdoors

    1 May – 8 May

    Plant tomatoes in their final position around 1st May - 8th May after frost risk has passed. Space plants apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Water in well and consider using cloches or fleece for extra protection.

  6. Support and Train Plants

    11 May – 18 May

    Provide stakes or cages for support from 11th May. For cordon varieties, remove side shoots regularly to direct energy into the main stem. Pinch out the main growing tip after 4-6 trusses have set to force ripening in the UK climate.

  7. Feed Plants

    18 May – 1 Nov
    every 2 weeks

    Apply a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 14 days starting around 18th May and continuing until 1st November. This supports flowering and fruit development. Water plants regularly to prevent blossom end rot.

  8. Harvest Tomatoes

    18 Jul – 1 Nov

    Pick fruits as they ripen from 18th July until 1st November. Harvest regularly to encourage more production. If frost threatens, pick green tomatoes and ripen indoors on a windowsill.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Tomato.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Tomato to consider

Gardener's Delight

A popular cherry tomato with sweet, abundant fruits. Ideal for UK gardens due to its reliability and good flavour.

Moneymaker

A classic cordon variety producing medium-sized red fruits. Known for its high yield and disease resistance in UK conditions.

Tumbling Tom

A trailing bush tomato perfect for hanging baskets or containers. Produces small red or yellow fruits without needing support.

Also in nearby towns

See how Tomato timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.