Homegrown tomatoes taste completely different to supermarket ones. The reason is simple: shop tomatoes are bred for shelf life and appearance; homegrown varieties are bred for flavour.
Choosing a Variety
Cordon (indeterminate) varieties — grow as a single tall stem, require staking and regular removal of sideshoots. Best for greenhouse or a warm sheltered spot. Great flavour.
Bush (determinate) varieties — compact, no pinching required. Better for containers and cooler climates.
Sowing Seeds
Sow indoors from late February to late March (UK) or 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (US). Sow in small pots of seed compost, 0.5 cm deep, at 20–25°C. Germination takes 5–10 days.
Growing On
Pot on progressively as roots fill each container. Keep on a warm, bright windowsill.
Planting Out
Plant outside after the last frost date, when night temperatures stay above 10°C. Harden off first — 7–10 days of gradually increasing outdoor exposure.
Ongoing Care
Common Problems
Blossom end rot (black patch at the base of fruit): calcium deficiency caused by inconsistent watering.
Blight: Brown patches spreading from leaves to stems. Remove affected parts immediately. Grow blight-resistant varieties.
