Tomatoes in Durham
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Tomato
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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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
Sow seeds in a greenhouse or indoors around 18th February - 5th March. Maintain a temperature of for germination. Use a propagator to ensure consistent warmth.
2 Prick Out Seedlings
Prick out seedlings into individual pots around 11th March - 18th March once true leaves appear. Use a peat-free compost and keep plants in a bright, frost-free greenhouse.
3 Pot On Plants
Pot on into larger containers around 25th March - 1st April to support root growth. Ensure the greenhouse is ventilated on sunny days to prevent damping off.
4 Transplant into Greenhouse
Plant into greenhouse beds or large pots around 4th April - 11th April. Space plants apart. Water well and consider using grow bags for container growing.
5 Support and Train Plants
Install supports and train plants from 14th April. 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
Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser every 14 days from 21st April until 6th November. Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during fruiting, to prevent problems like blossom end rot.
7 Harvest Tomatoes
Harvest ripe fruits from 16th June until 6th November. Pick regularly to encourage continuous production. In a greenhouse, harvesting can extend later into autumn compared to outdoors.
Companion Plants
Plants that grow well (or poorly) with Tomato
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.
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.
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Sweet Pepper
Sweet peppers are tender annuals that produce crisp, colourful fruits with a mild flavour. Native to Central and South America, they thrive in warm, sunny positions and are commonly grown under glass in the UK to ensure reliable cropping, though they can succeed outdoors in sheltered spots during particularly warm summers.
Brussels Sprouts
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