Tomatoes have always been one of the most popular crops grown in glass houses, but now with the
developement of hardier varieties many people grow them successfully outdoors. However most
varieties are more suited to growing underglass, especially if there is a poor summer.
Tomatoes will require a position in the full sun. They will grow in almost any reasonably rich soil, I normally
add some organic material in the autumn, seaweed or manure would be idea. Before the tomatoes
are planted give the soil a good watering, this will make sure there is plenty of moisture at the sub-soil level.
Sow seeds in a heated propagator in February, or into unheated seed trays in march, they germinate if the
soil temperature is above 10°C. Germination should happen within a couple of weeks. Keeps seedlings watered
in hot conditions. When they have their two primary leaves, making sure the compost is moist, prick the seedlings
out and plant into 7.5cms pots.
When the young plants are about 15 cms in height, they can be planted into their final position in the glass
house bed. Some people plant the tomatoe on its side, covering half of the stem with compost, the plant will
then straighten itself, this results in extra root growth. If I have any spare plants, I normally plant them in larger
pots, and slowly introduce them outdoors, finally locating them in a sunny sheltered position.
As the plants start to gain in height, they will need supporting, this can be done with canes or I use a horizontal
support which I hang vertical wires, the tomatoe plant stems are then tied to these as they grow. Zip ties are ideal for this, but do not fasten too tight as growth will be restricted when the growing stems expand. You will notice
little side shoots appearing from where the leaf stalks are attached to the main stem, these should be removed straight
away. When four trusses have grown, pinch out the growing tip, this will encourage the plant to channel more energy into
the growing fruit. Keep the plants well watered in sunny conditions, use liquid feed as recomended on the container. Most recomend feeding every other watering.
As the fruit on the lower truss starts to swell start removing some of the leave around that truss, this will help promote airflow
around the base of the plant and help the fruit gain extra exposure to sunlight. Always remove any dead leaves or any showing signs of fungi infection, particularly if there is a
damp cloudy period. Inspect plants daily for side shoot growth, removing them straight away.
You can harvest the tomatoes when they become ripe, if cloudy conditions persist you can remove the green tomatoes and ripen
them on a window sill in your house.
