Tomato enthusiasts can reap the fruits of their labor with a single plant that produces a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season.
Despite less than ideal weather conditions in some parts of the UK, Britons can still ensure a successful tomato harvest by avoiding certain pitfalls.
Garden Street’s Holly Jones has identified five common mistakes gardeners make that can lead to “yield losses” and even plant diseases.
A key mistake is sowing seeds prematurely when the soil has not warmed enough for the tomatoes to thrive.
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The optimal time to plant tomato seeds varies depending on the region and the specific spot in the garden where they will be grown, but by July, plants should already be flowering outdoors, Express reports.
Holly advises against sowing tomato seeds too close together: “If tomato seeds are planted too close together, you risk stunting the growth of the plants. You also risk crowding the plants, which can result in them not getting enough direct sunlight.”
For robust growth, tomatoes should be planted deep enough so that only the first set of leaves remain above the soil, and then they should be buried firmly in the soil.
Spacing is crucial and plants should be spaced between 45cm and 70cm apart. Depending on their expected size, always refer to the seed packet for guidance.
Grow bags are a popular choice among gardeners as they come with pre-marked planting spots.
According to Holly, tomato plants generally don’t require frequent watering unless it’s exceptionally hot.
Overwatering can cause rot, destroying the plants and any chance of harvesting tomatoes.
The expert stressed: “However, it is still important to ensure that the plants are watered, and if you water consistently once or twice a week, you can ensure that there is constant humidity.”
Holly added: “Ideally, tomato plants should be staked to keep them upright. If this is not done, the plants can end up on the ground and pick up diseases from other plants which can damage them.”
To support tomato plants, you can find various items at garden centres, such as bamboo poles or even wooden branches. Just make sure they are tall enough and secure them with string as the plant grows to provide support.
The gardening guru advised: “If you don’t pick tomatoes at the right time, you risk them rotting on the plant and falling to the ground. Pick tomatoes before they are fully ripe and place them in a sunny window to fully ripen before eating.”
It is also essential to pinch the side shoots so that the plant does not waste its energy developing too many stems.
If this is not taken into account, a weak harvest can be obtained, as the plant becomes too heavy and results in poorly developed tomatoes.
