Grow Your Own: Tips and Tricks to Terrific Tomatoes

Tomato Plants

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The act of cultivating your own fruits and vegetables transcends mere sustenance; it's a deeply fulfilling endeavour that nourishes both body and soul.

Some of the rewards are:

·       A tangible connection to nature

·       The satisfaction of self-sufficiency

·       Enhanced flavour and nutritional value

·       A deeper understanding of food

·       A creative outlet

·       A sense of community and sharing

·       Reduced environmental impact

Read on for our step by step guide to growing your own tomatoes.

Growing tomatoes in Scotland presents some unique challenges due to the cooler climate, but it's definitely achievable!

Here's our step-by-step guide to help you succeed:

1. Choosing the Right Varieties:

• Early-maturing varieties: These are crucial for Scotland's shorter growing season. Look for varieties like 'Alicante', 'Sungold', 'Gardener's Delight', or blight-resistant types such as 'Crimson Crush'.

• Bush varieties: These are often better suited for outdoor growing in cooler climates as they are more compact.

• Greenhouse varieties: if you have a greenhouse, you will have a much wider choice of tomato varieties.

2. Sowing the Seeds:

• Timing: 

  • Start seeds indoors from late February to March. This provides them with a head start before the warmer weather arrives.

• Materials: 

  • Use good-quality seed compost.

  • Seed trays or small pots.

  • A heated propagator or a warm, sunny windowsill.

• Process: 

  • Fill the trays or pots with compost.

  • Sow seeds thinly, covering them lightly with compost.

  • Water gently and keep the compost moist.

  • Maintain a temperature of around 18-21°C (64-70°F) for germination.

3. Pricking Out and Potting On:

• When seedlings have their first "true leaves" (the second set of leaves), carefully transplant them into individual pots.

• Use a good-quality multi-purpose compost.

• As the plants grow, pot them on into larger containers as needed.

4. Growing Conditions:

• Light: Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight. A sunny windowsill or a greenhouse is ideal.

• Temperature: Protect plants from frost.

• Ventilation: If growing in a greenhouse, ensure good ventilation to prevent diseases.

5. Hardening Off:

• Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimatize the plants to outdoor conditions over a period of 1-2 weeks.

• Place them outside during the day, bringing them back in at night.

6. Planting Out:

• Wait until all risk of frost has passed (usually late May or early June in Scotland).

• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot.

• Plant in specially designed grow bags or fertile, well-drained soil or in large containers.

• Provide support for cordon (indeterminate) varieties with canes or stakes.

Giant Tomato Planter

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7. Care and Maintenance:

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods.

• Feed with a tomato-specific fertilizer once flowers appear.

• Pinch out side shoots on cordon varieties.

• Pollination: if growing in a greenhouse, you may have to hand pollinate, by gently shaking the plants, or using a small brush.

• Watch for signs of blight and take appropriate action.

Important Considerations for Scotland:

• Shelter: Find a sheltered location to protect plants from strong winds.

• Greenhouse or polytunnel: These can significantly improve your chances of success.

• Blight resistance: Choose blight-resistant varieties, as blight is a common problem in damp climates.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of enjoying a bountiful harvest of homegrown tomatoes.

Remember the team at Greenside and Brookside Garden Centres are here to offer any additional advice and assist with troubleshooting issues. Happy growing!