Short simple list of how to grow tomatoes
In this post I’ve tried to keep things simple. Here’s the short version of how to grow tomatoes from seed. If you want to geek out a bit on the ins and outs of growing tomatoes, check out the longer more detailed read here
Sow
- Sow as early as February/March indoors
- Use seedling compost
- In seed tray or with paper potter
- Just under surface
- Water a little
- Warm sunny spot on window (in a propagator is best)
Wait
- About a week or two
- Keeping compost moist
Thin
- Thin at about 1 inch
- Remove weakest if more than one in a plug
Potting on
- Remove carefully
- Place into new pots usually about 4” diameter
- Water well
- Sunny spot
Potting on, again
- Pot to final growing destination
- Lay sideways
- Tilt stem up for better root growth
- Water well, keep moist
Growing these babies
- Keep monitoring growth
- Water consistently
- Probably daily
Stake when required
- When tomato plant is about a foot tall support
- Garden bamboo cane
- Tied loosely with garden twine
- Allow for growth
- Watering tomato plants daily
Pinching side shoots
- Pinching out suckers or side shoots to help the plant upwards.
- Some bush varieties of tomato plant don’t not require this.
Pruning and air flow
- Trimming any excess foliage nearer bases of plants
- Where plants next to each other are over crowded prune
- Don’t take too much too far up
- Tomatoes like a bit of shade
Maximum height
- You can try capping your tomato plants by snipping the main growth shoot
- In my experience a tomato plant seems to go however it wants!
- Still watering tomato plants daily
Flowering
- It’s nearly tomato time the more flowers the better
- Water and nutrient needs may increase
- Keep an eye on your watering
- Good time for some tomato feed too
Fruiting – nearly there!
- Keep pruning as required
- Can remove more low branches
- Thin top for good air circulation
- The plant puts more energy into your tomatoes.
- Keep the tomatoes part shaded where possible to stop scorching from the sun
- Remove any bad tomatoes
Picking
- It will feel like forever but when they ripen to that gorgeous tomato red you’ll hopefully have more than you need!
- Don’t leave them ripe on vine for too long they could split or go bad
- Enjoy your tomatoes!