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Tomatoes in Cambridge

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato
Fruit Active in August

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.

Height
180cm
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High Water
Add to garden

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

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Grow tomatoes in a greenhouse for an earlier and longer harvest. This method provides protection from UK weather but requires ventilation and pollination attention.

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    18 Mar – 2 Apr

    Sow seeds in a greenhouse or indoors around 18th March - 2nd April. Maintain a temperature of for germination. Use a propagator to ensure consistent warmth.

  2. Prick Out Seedlings

    8 Apr – 15 Apr

    Prick out seedlings into individual pots around 8th April - 15th April once true leaves appear. Use a peat-free compost and keep plants in a bright, frost-free greenhouse.

  3. Pot On Plants

    22 Apr – 29 Apr

    Pot on into larger containers around 22nd April - 29th April to support root growth. Ensure the greenhouse is ventilated on sunny days to prevent damping off.

  4. Transplant into Greenhouse

    2 May – 9 May

    Plant into greenhouse beds or large pots around 2nd May - 9th May. Space plants apart. Water well and consider using grow bags for container growing.

  5. Support and Train Plants

    12 May – 19 May

    Install supports and train plants from 12th May. Remove side shoots on cordon varieties and pinch out the tip after 6-7 trusses. Ventilate the greenhouse to reduce humidity and pollinate flowers by gently shaking plants.

  6. Feed and Water Plants

    19 May – 24 Oct
    every 2 weeks

    Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser every 14 days from 19th May until 24th October. Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during fruiting, to prevent problems like blossom end rot.

  7. Harvest Tomatoes

    14 Jul – 24 Oct

    Harvest ripe fruits from 14th July until 24th October. Pick regularly to encourage continuous production. In a greenhouse, harvesting can extend later into autumn compared to outdoors.

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.