When to plant Tomatoes in the UK

Sow seeds in a greenhouse or indoors around mid-March to early April. Maintain a temperature of 18–21 °C for germination. Use a propagator to ensure consistent warmth.

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

Pot on into larger containers around mid-April to early May to support root growth. Ensure the greenhouse is ventilated on sunny days to prevent damping off.

Plant into greenhouse beds or large pots around early May. Space plants 60 cm apart. Water well and consider using grow bags for container growing.

Install supports and train plants from early 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.

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

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