- Sow seed Feb – March indoors in modules, seed trays or small pots and cover with a light covering of compost and keep moist. Grow with warmth provided by a heat mat or germinate inside house. Germination takes 14-21 days approx 18-25 degrees. Once germinated, if you’re sowing groups of seeds together they will need pricking out into individual modules or small posts and then move to a position with plenty of light.
- Transplant when seedlings are large enough (two sets of leaves) into 3 inch pots, bury the seedling up to its first leaves, water in and leave and grow on. Keep the compost moist but not wet.
- Final planting spacing approx 45-60cm should be approx. 8 weeks from sowing. Plant into final position once plant reaches approx 4 inches, either direct into soil/compost, in large pots or grow bags.
- Care – If planting outside plant from June onwards and harden off by moving plants to a cold frame for a couple of weeks then move to a sunny sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Stake plants for extra support and tie in as plants grow. I grow my tomatoes in a greenhouse so plant these out in late April May if you are doing the same.
Indeterminate tomatoes develop into vines that never top off and continue producing (until killed by frost). They are preferred by home growers for ripe fruit throughout the season. Pinch out all side shoots throughout the season and pinch out the growing tip once the 7th truss has set to encourage growth of fruit. Will need supporting and tying up with canes or wire.
Determinate, or bush, types bear a full crop all at once and top off at a specific height; they are often good choices for container growing. Do not pinch out any side shoots.
