Tomatoes in Georth

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato
Tomato · 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.

180 cm · Full Sun · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Georth · last frost ≈ 25 May

Sow indoors April, plant out May to June, harvest September to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Tomato

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. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    10 Apr to 25 Apr

    Sow seeds indoors in modules or small pots around 10th April - 25th April. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill at for germination. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    1 May to 8 May

    Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots around 1st May - 8th May. Handle seedlings by the leaves to avoid stem damage and plant at the same depth as before.

  3. 03

    Pot On Plants

    15 May to 22 May

    Move plants into larger pots around 15th May - 22nd May to prevent root restriction. Use a good quality potting compost and water well after repotting to settle the roots.

  4. 04

    Harden Off Plants

    8 Jun to 15 Jun

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days starting around 8th June - 15th June. Place them outside in a sheltered spot during the day and bring in at night, increasing exposure each day.

  5. 05

    Transplant Outdoors

    15 Jun to 22 Jun

    Plant tomatoes in their final position around 15th June - 22nd June 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. 06

    Support and Train Plants

    25 Jun to 2 Jul

    Provide stakes or cages for support from 25th June. 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. 07

    Feed Plants

    2 Jul to 4 Oct every 2 weeks

    Apply a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 14 days starting around 2nd July and continuing until 4th October. This supports flowering and fruit development. Water plants regularly to prevent blossom end rot.

  8. 08

    Harvest Tomatoes

    1 Sept to 4 Oct

    Pick fruits as they ripen from 1st September until 4th October. 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.

Tomato guides by town

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