Tomato growing season is well underway in the UK, with most gardeners able to plant their tomatoes outside from mid-May, or as soon as the final frost has departed.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still time to start growing tomatoes in your garden, with the mild temperatures and sunshine creating the perfect environment for your plant to thrive. Picking the right spot to place your plant is crucial, though.
The best spot to grow tomato plants
Trying to grow tomatoes in an area that is too shady could ultimately mean the demise of your plant. If you are already growing a tomato plant, but have noticed it isn’t coming on as nicely as you would like, consider its positioning in the garden.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises growing your tomatoes in a “warm, sunny, sheltered location” if you are planting them outdoors.
Tomato plants need rich soil, enough water and plenty of sunshine in order to thrive. Therefore, it is a given that too much shade could be part of their demise.
Tomatoes need heat and warmth because they are a “sub-tropical plant”. Experts from Quick Crop added: “This is especially important in most areas of the UK and Ireland where sunlight and warmth are at a premium even in mid-summer.
However, you also need to make sure that your plant is not in a position where it will be battered on windy days. Quick Crop said: “A position against a wall or fence will give a better chance of success as long as they can receive sufficient water; avoid hedges as the soil will be too dry.
“Tomato plants also grow very well in raised beds, they appreciate the soil conditions which provide moisture without water-logging.”
You can use a polytunnel for added protection and warmth, or if you don’t feel there is an adequate spot in your garden, then a greenhouse might be your best bet.
How often should you water tomato plants?
Once you’ve ensured your tomato plant is in exactly the right place, you also need to make sure its getting the right amount of water. Tomatoes typically need to be watered once a day but, as temperatures increase, you might need to water tomato plants twice a day.
On average, garden tomatoes typically require between one and two inches of water each week.
Tomatoes grown in containers might need a little bit more water than those in the ground. This is because the soil in containers heats up faster, leading to more water evaporation.
