Growing Tomatoes: From Seed to Sauce

Choosing Varieties

With hundreds of tomato varieties available, choosing can be overwhelming. Here are some reliable choices for our climate:

• Gardener's Delight - Sweet cherry tomatoes, very reliable
• Moneymaker - Classic medium-sized, heavy cropper
• San Marzano - Perfect for sauces and cooking
• Sungold - Incredibly sweet orange cherry tomatoes

Starting from Seed

Sow seeds indoors in March, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use good quality seed compost and provide bottom heat if possible.

Planting Out

Wait until all risk of frost has passed, usually late May in our area. Harden off plants gradually over a week before planting.

Feeding and Watering

Tomatoes are hungry plants. Once fruits start forming, feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser like comfrey tea or commercial tomato food.