Growing tomatoes has many benefits as one plant can produce abundant fruit all season long.
Although the weather is less than ideal in some parts of the UK, Brits can ensure a good harvest by avoiding certain mistakes.
Holly Jones from Garden Street explains five typical mistakes gardeners make that lead to “poor yields” and disease.
A common mistake is sowing tomato seeds too early when the soil is still too cold for optimal growth.
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The time to plant tomato seeds will vary depending on your location and the specific area of your garden you want to grow them in, but the tomatoes should be ready to be planted outside by July, reports the Express.
Holly advises: “Planting tomato seeds too close together can stunt the plants' growth and the plants may become so crowded that they don't get enough direct sunlight.”
To ensure healthy growth, tomatoes need to be planted deep enough that only the first leaves are above the soil surface, and then buried firmly into the soil.
Spacing is important: 45cm to 70cm apart is recommended depending on the variety, so be sure to refer to the guidelines on your seed packet. Many growers prefer to use grow bags that have pre-marked spots for planting.
Holly says tomato plants don't need to be watered very often unless it's very hot.
According to Holly, tomato plants don't need to be watered very often unless it's very hot (Image: Getty Images)
Too much watering can cause root rot, which can kill the plant and prevent you from getting a tomato harvest.
The expert pointed out: “However, it is still important to make sure your plants are watered, and consistent watering once or twice a week will ensure constant moisture.”
Holly added: “Ideally tomato seedlings should be supported by stakes to keep them upright, otherwise they could fall to the ground and pick up diseases from other plants which could harm your tomato seedlings.”
To support your tomato plants, you can purchase a variety of supports from garden centers, including bamboo or tree branches.
Make sure it's tall enough and tie it down with string to support the plants as they grow.
A gardening guru says: “If you don't harvest your tomatoes at the right time, you risk them rotting on the plant and falling to the ground. Harvest your tomatoes before they are fully ripe and place them on a sunny windowsill before they are fully ripe to eat.”
It is also important to pinch off side branches so the plant does not focus its energy on growing stems.
This can result in a weak yield as it becomes very heavy and prevents the tomatoes from growing properly.
