When to Feed Tomato Plants and How to Grow Them

Welcome to the enchanting world of tomatoes, where delightful flavours and versatility abound. As one of the most beloved crops worldwide, growing tomatoes promises a fulfilling and rewarding experience for all gardeners. This article explores when to feed tomato plants, how often to feed tomato plants, top tomato varieties, shares expert tips, and uncovers the secrets to cultivating a thriving garden. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice, join us on this journey to savour the joys of homegrown tomatoes and elevate your culinary creations. Let’s dive in and discover the wonders of growing these vibrant fruits!

Growing Tomatoes

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are cherished by gardeners and flourish in diverse settings, whether grown from seeds indoors or as young plants. For optimal growth, find a warm, sunny, and sheltered spot if growing them outdoors. Embrace the warm embrace of a long, hot summer for their thriving development. Don’t forget to consider when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants, to ensure their health and vigour throughout the growing season.

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How to Grow Tomatoes at Home

To ensure thriving tomato plants, knowing when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants is crucial. Whether you choose determinate (bush) or indeterminate (cordon) types, a sun-drenched and sheltered location with nutrient-rich soil or peat-free potting compost is vital for success.

Use a sturdy stake, such as a bamboo cane, to support their tall growth for cordon tomatoes. Remember to regularly remove side shoots to maintain fruiting on a central stem. On the other hand, bush tomato varieties do not require staking.

As for when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants, once the plants start to flower, it’s time to initiate a weekly feeding routine using a high-potash fertilizer. This practice will bolster their development and yield.

For beginner gardeners, bush tomatoes are a great choice, as they don’t demand staking or pinching out growing tips. Embrace these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to bountiful tomato harvests!

For even more advice on how and when to feed tomato plants, see here.

How to Grow Tomatoes From Seeds

When it comes to nurturing tomato plants, understanding when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants is vital. While you can purchase young plants, exploring unique varieties is a delightful journey when you grow tomatoes from seed.

To begin, sow the seeds between late January and late March. Take 7.5cm pots filled with moist peat-free compost and sprinkle the seeds on top. Add a thin layer of vermiculite, then water and cover the pots with cling film. A warm, bright windowsill or a propagator will provide the ideal germination environment.

Once your seeds have sprouted, remove the cling film, or remove them from the propagator, ensuring the compost remains damp. As the seedlings grow to about 2-3cm tall, transplant them into 5cm pots filled with moist multi-purpose compost, and return them to the windowsill. As they continue to develop, report as needed, and provide support by gently tying the stems to a pea stick using a soft string.

To ensure these tomatoes grow into thriving, flavorful delights, it is essential to remember when to feed tomato plants, how often to feed tomato plants, and provide them with proper care. Timing plays a crucial role in their healthy development, yielding a bountiful and delicious harvest.

Planting Tomatoes in a Greenhouse

When aiming to achieve robust greenhouse-grown tomatoes, understanding when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants is just as vital as caring for those grown outdoors. The greenhouse environment offers an extended growing season but requires some special considerations.

To begin with, when to feed tomato plants, start feeding tomato plants once they’ve established a healthy foundation, and this typically happens when they’ve grown to a reasonable size with several sets of true leaves. This is the right time to commence their feeding regimen.

The frequency of how often to feed tomato plants is equally important. During their initial stages of growth, providing nutrients every two weeks should suffice. However, as the plants progress into the flowering and fruiting stages, increasing the frequency of weekly feedings becomes essential to meet their heightened nutritional demands.

Now, concerning when to feed tomato plants in the greenhouse, the best time is in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the peak midday heat. This ensures the nutrients are readily absorbed when the plants need them the most while minimizing the risk of nutrient loss due to evaporation.

Furthermore, you can use shading techniques to shield your greenhouse-grown tomatoes from excessive heat, which may result in tough skins and uneven ripening. Installing blinds, using shade paint, or hanging woven shading fabric can protect your plants from such adverse effects.

Enjoy watching your tomatoes grow with our rattan cube sets.

Where to Buy Tomatoes Online

If you’re looking to purchase tomato plants and embark on your tomato-growing journey, several reputable sources offer them for sale. Here are some recommended options:

• Dobies

• Thompson & Morgan

• Brookside Nursery

• Suttons

• J Parker’s

Each of these sources provides a wide selection of tomato plants, making it easier for you to find the perfect varieties to grow in your garden.

Cordon and Bush Tomatoes

Knowing when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants is crucial for their healthy growth and productivity. For tall-growing cordon tomatoes, it’s essential to begin pinching outside shoots and staking the plants

with soft strings tied to canes. Remove the leaves underneath to improve light and air exposure as the first tiny fruits emerge. When four trusses of flowers have developed, pinch out the growing tip to promote better fruiting.

Once the flowers appear, regular feeding is vital. Opt for a liquid tomato food like Tomorite and feed your plants weekly. Adequate watering is equally essential, as irregular watering may lead to fruit splitting or the development of hard black patches, known as blossom-end rot, caused by a calcium deficiency found in water.

Conversely, bush tomatoes, characterized by their sprawling growth habit, demand minimal intervention. They thrive with less interference and can be left to flourish independently. If the fruits are hidden under the foliage, consider gently thinning out the leaves to enable the sun’s rays to reach and ripen them. Moreover, to support heavy trusses and prevent stem breakage, place upturned flowerpots underneath, ensuring a robust and fruitful tomato crop. As you care for your bush tomatoes, remember to prioritize when to feed tomato plants and how often to ensure their well-being and optimal growth.

Sowing Tomato Seeds

When it comes to nurturing tomato plants, understanding when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed tomato plants is essential for their successful growth. Begin by sowing tomato seeds in March or April, approximately 6-8 weeks before the final frost, or earlier if you plan to grow them in a greenhouse.

For optimal germination, sprinkle the seeds thinly onto high-quality seed compost. Cover them with a 1.5mm layer of compost and lightly water using a fine-rose watering can. Maintaining a moist compost is crucial, but avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture can lead to ‘damping-off’ disease and other mould issues.

Tomato seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days when kept at 21 degrees Celsius. Once the tomato seedlings are big enough to handle, carefully transplant them into 7.5cm (3in) pots, holding them by the leaves to avoid touching the stems. Protect the young plants from frost, cold winds, and draughts to prevent any harm to their delicate growth.

If you’re only cultivating a few plants, a simple method involves sowing two seeds into a couple of 7.5cm (3″) pots and removing the smaller plants as they grow. By following these guidelines on when to feed tomatoes, how often to feed tomato plants and providing proper care, you’ll set the stage for a successful tomato-growing experience.

Watering Tomatoes

Knowing when to feed tomato plants, how often to feed tomato plants and how often to provide tomatoes is paramount for tomato plants to yield a bountiful crop. Watering is equally crucial, and a little-and-often approach delivers the best results. Some seasoned gardeners warm-up water-filled cans in their greenhouse to avoid shockingly cold water from taps or water butts. Interestingly, watering simultaneously each day may influence the fruit’s quality.

Following this approach for optimal results when feeding tomato plants:

• Begin with a general liquid feed until the first truss forms. Once that stage is reached, alternate the feeding regimen with a high potash feed. This method encourages the growth of more flowers and fruit, leading to a fruitful and abundant harvest.
• Understanding when to feed tomato plants and how to care for them appropriately will undoubtedly make a positive difference in the quality of your tomatoes.

How to Harvest Tomatoes

It’s best to allow tomatoes to ripen naturally on the plants for enhanced flavour. As the season nears its end, trim away the older leaves to increase light exposure and minimize the risk of grey mould fungus.

You can pick the trusses and bring them indoors to ripen in cold weather. This way, you can enjoy your delicious tomatoes even when the weather turns unfavourable.

How to Store Tomatoes

Savour tomatoes fresh from the vine for the most delightful taste while basking in the sun’s warmth. When storing, it’s ideal to keep them at room temperature for about a week. Refrain from refrigerating tomatoes whenever possible, which may result in an undesirable mealy texture.

An intelligent approach to preserving tomatoes is by creating a flavourful tomato sauce and freezing it. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant taste of tomatoes even during the off-season.

Preparing and Cooking Tomatoes

Indulge in the delightful taste of tomatoes, enhancing your salads and sandwiches with their vibrant flavours. Most tomato types are versatile, whether enjoyed fresh or cooked, but the plum varieties stand out for culinary delights. If you find yourself with an abundance of tomatoes, take the opportunity to explore your creativity and experiment with homemade pasta sauces. The possibilities are limitless, unveiling mouthwatering flavours that elevate your culinary adventures. Don’t hesitate to explore the joys of growing tomatoes and savouring their diverse and delectable tastes in various dishes.

Check out BBC Good Food for some amazing tomato recipes.

Pests and Problems

Knowing when to feed tomato plants, how often to feed tomato plants and when to start feeding tomato plants is essential for their health and resilience against common issues. Whitefly infestation can challenge tomatoes growing in greenhouses, while tomato blight concerns those produced outside, particularly in warm, wet summers. A lack of calcium causes blossom end rot, as pictured, while irregular watering can lead to fruit splitting.

Keep an eye out for green shield bugs on your tomato plants, but rest assured they are harmless and won’t harm your crop. In especially damp summers, tomato blight becomes a genuine concern.

To ensure your tomato plants are well-nourished and better equipped to withstand these challenges, it’s crucial to understand when and how often to feed them and adopt proper watering practices. You can enjoy a thriving tomato harvest despite potential hurdles by providing the appropriate care at the right time.

Wondering how to get rid of greenfly and blackfly? Check out our guide.

Fruit Problems

Fruit issues like Blossom End Rot, Blossom Drop, Dry Set, and Splitting Fruit often arise due to inconsistent watering or excessive watering in the later stages of growth. These problems are particularly common among plants cultivated in grow bags or pots. Understanding how often to feed tomato plants and providing proper watering practices is vital to preventing such issues and ensuring a healthy and fruitful tomato crop.

Knowing when to feed tomato plants and how often to provide them is crucial to prevent fruiting problems from irregular watering practices.

To ensure a healthy tomato crop, it’s essential to provide regular and even watering, focusing on delivering water to the base of the plant. In most cases, overwatering late in the growth cycle is the root cause of such issues, emphasizing the importance of proper watering techniques.

Moreover, excessive direct sunlight can harm your tomato crop, leading to marks, scalds, or spots on the developing fruit, commonly known as ‘Greenback.’ Although tomatoes thrive in bright light, too much sun can be detrimental. To address this, carefully consider when to feed tomato plants and increase potassium in their feeding regime. Utilizing fleece or shading during the hottest part of the day can provide protection. Additionally, opting for resistant varieties such as ‘Alicante’ or ‘Craigella’ will aid in minimizing this issue, ensuring your tomato plants flourish and produce a delightful harvest.

Top Advice for Buying Tomatoes

• Ensure you’re well-informed before making your tomato plant selection. Decide whether you prefer cordon tomatoes, which require support and training, or bush tomatoes, perfect for pots and hanging baskets.
• Consider the space available for growth and choose a tomato variety that thrives in your given environment. If you lack a greenhouse, opt for varieties suitable for outdoor cultivation.
• Select tomatoes that suit your culinary preferences. For those inclined to make tomato sauces, cherry tomatoes might not be the best choice, while plum tomatoes are delightful additions to raw salads. Research the varieties that align with your preferences and stick to your chosen options for a successful and satisfying harvest.

Tomato Varieties to Grow

Outdoor Tomatoes

Consider the following delightful tomato varieties for your garden:

• ‘Astro Ibrido’: This impressive variety yields abundant small to medium plum tomatoes bursting with outstanding flavour.
• ‘Gardeners’ Delight’: Whether grown as a bush or cordon tomato, this variety delivers heavy crops of exquisitely rich and flavourful cherry tomatoes.
• ‘Garden Pearl’ (also known as ‘Gartenperle’): A compact bush tomato, perfect for thriving in large pots and containers.
• ‘Ildi’: Enjoy the delectable sweetness of this yellow, pear-shaped cherry tomato, forming in large trusses with up to 80 fruits.

With these fantastic tomato choices, your garden will be brimming with a diverse array of delicious and enticing tomatoes.

Indoor Tomatoes

• ‘Juliet’: This cordon cherry plum stands out with its reduced seed content, making it ideal for cooking. Enjoy its delectable flavour as it transforms your culinary creations.
• ‘Reduna’: Embrace the classic goodness of this cordon tomato, perfect for slicing with ease. Its rich and delightful flavour will surely elevate your dishes.
• ‘Sparta’: Experience a bountiful harvest of well-shaped and flavourful fruits with this cordon variety. Let ‘Sparta’ add a touch of excellence to your tomato-growing endeavours.

Final Tips

Tomatoes, a delightful and versatile addition to any garden, thrive with proper care. We’ve delved into essential aspects of a successful tomato-growing journey, including when to feed tomato plants and how often to feed them. Whether you choose cordon or bush varieties, providing adequate water, training, and protection from adverse weather ensures abundant and flavorful crops. Embrace these insights and watch your tomato garden flourish with delicious rewards.

Additionally, experimenting with various tomato recipes and savouring them in different culinary delights will genuinely showcase the incredible potential of these vibrant fruits. By following these tips and embracing your gardening creativity, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the rewarding journey of growing and relishing your homegrown tomatoes throughout the seasons. Happy gardening!

FAQs

Resources

BBC Good Food. (n.d.). Tomato recipes. Retrieved from: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/tomato-recipes [24.07.23]

Thompson & Morgan. (n.d.). Tomato Plants. Retrieved from: https://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/vegetable-plants/tomato-plants [24.07.23]

Dobies. (n.d.). Tomato Plants. Retrieved from: https://www.dobies.co.uk/vegetable-plants/tomato-plants [24.07.23]

J. Parker’s. (n.d.). Tomato Plants. Retrieved from: https://www.jparkers.co.uk/fruits-vegetables/vegetables-herbs/tomato-plants?page=1&limits=12&sort=RELEVANCE  [24.07.23]

Suttons. (n.d.). Tomato Plants. Retrieved from: https://www.suttons.co.uk/vegetable-fruit-plants/tomato-plants  [24.07.23]
Brookside Nursery. (n.d.). Tomato Plants. Retrieved from: https://www.brooksidenursery.co.uk/vegetable-plants/tomato-plants.html [24.07.23]