1
Once nights are frost free and plants
are acclimated to being outdoors, fill
a pot, at least 10 in (25 cm) wide, with
compost to 2 in (5 cm) below the rim.
Plant the tomato deeply, as the section
of buried stem will send out extra roots.
GROWING
TOMATOES
Home-grown tomatoes taste divine straight from the
vine, and make beautiful displays when dripping
with fruit. Sow seed indoors in early spring and pot
on as plants grow, or buy young plants in late spring.
YOU WILL NEED
• tomato plants, such as the
indeterminate varieties shown here
• large pot
• multi-purpose potting soil
• canes
• garden twine
• liquid tomato fertilizer
• watering can
SEE ALSO
• WINDOWSILL LETTUCES >> 182/183
• GROW CLIMBING BEANS >> 186/187
JARGON BUSTER
Indeterminate varieties are tall and
need staking, while determinate
varieties are a bit more compact.
Cherry tomatoes will ripen earlier,
while larger types like beefsteaks
ripen later in the season.
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VEGETABLES // GROWING TOMATOES 184–185
Suckering
also helps
to stimulate
new growth
3
As the plant grows, tie the main
stems loosely to the canes. Pinch out
fast-growing suckers growing between
the leaves and main stem on
indeterminate cultivars. Leave side
shoots to develop on determinate types.
2
Tall indeterminate cultivars need training
up a support. Push a couple of long bamboo
canes or other stakes into the potting soil and
tie in the main stem to keep the plant stable.
Bush and trailing types do not need supports.
4
Water regularly. When the first fruits
appear, feed weekly with a tomato
fertilizer, and add extra potting soil if
the roots become exposed. Pinch out the
growing tip as the plant reaches the top
of its cane. Ripe fruits twist o easily.
Make sure the
pot is cleaned
before using
to plant your
tomatoes
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