Tomatoes are one of the easiest and tastiest vegetables you can grow at home. They love English summers where plenty of rain and sun is usually available to them. Whether you are making a fresh salad, hearty soup or a tasty sandwich – tomatoes are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, so why not grow your own!
How do I grow from seed?
If you want to grow your tomatoes from seed, it is essential you sow them early enough in the year – we recommend sowing your seeds in March/April to get the most out of your crop. The quickest and easiest way to propagate your seeds is in our ROOT!T Propagation Kit which has the option of a full spectrum LED grow light also. The ROOT!T LED Grow Light will provide supplemental lighting during the day and continue during the darker evenings where light hours are of a premium in February and March. Simply put one or two seeds in each of the specially designed ROOT!T Natural Sponges, put the propagator lid on, and place in a sunny area or greenhouse.
Once your seedlings are established you can move them directly from the biodegradable plug into larger pots (0.7L are a good starting point) where they can establish larger roots and grow quickly. The plugs help to reduce stress on the plant because their roots are protected by the sponge.
How often do I water my tomatoes?
Tomatoes are thirsty plants, so it is highly recommended that you provide them with nutrient solution to get the best yields possible. PLANT!T Earth Tomato Feed is great for growing tomatoes in soil; this complete nutrient fertiliser has all the essential micro and macronutrients to help your tomatoes grow bigger and stronger. Simply add 2-4ml of nutrient solution per 1 litre of water and mix together before feeding. Make sure the water you use is not too cold, as this can shock your plants – we advise using room temperature water. If you are growing in a hydroponics system or coco coir then we offer PLANT!T Tomato Feeds for these specific growing mediums.
What are the ideal conditions for tomatoes?
Tomatoes are resilient plants and can handle the odd cold night here and there. The ideal growing temperature for tomatoes is 21-24⁰C, but will struggle with temperatures above 28⁰C so it is key you provide them with the correct ventilation on those hotter summer days.
When do I harvest my tomatoes?
Tomatoes are ready to harvest once they are a flush red and slightly hard to touch. You want to harvest all your tomatoes before the first frost threatens around September/October.
Growing tomatoes indoors
Skyline Grower offers an exclusive product that enables you to grow cherry tomatoes in your house! Botanium herb planter self watering herb growing kit is a Scandinavian designed recirculating hydroponics system that automatically waters your plants for you. Complete with a nutrient feed and growing media, the Botanium herb planter comes in three modern colours that will suit any household. Plant directly from seed, or transplant a small seedling from your ROOT!T Propagation Kit, place in a sunny area and plug it in!