Terrific tomatoes

Canterbury’s weather may be running hot and cold, yet there is still time for a plentiful crop of tasty tomatoes, under the right conditions, such as glasshouse grown.

Soil types and the variety you plant are important in the growing process, even in a glasshouse. Classics such as moneymaker, an English heirloom variety, are hard to beat for easy growing, and consistently producing flavoursome fruit.

One of the great aspects of tomatoes is you can plant them in garden beds, pots or various containers, as well as inside during the colder months. The latter are good options at this time of year, so they can be moved to chase the sun around your garden. Sunny spots are best for growing, although it is not a good idea to expose young plants to direct sun straight away. The better the soil, the better your tomatoes will grow, so don’t be scared to add compost and fertiliser before you plant.

Visit your favourite garden centre for helpful advice, and to discover how you can grow tomatoes all year round, albeit inside during cooler months.

Top tips

• Place stakes in the soil for each tomato plant before planting to provide support and avoid damaging the roots later on.
• Plant in a hole approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
• Water regularly.
• Remove the laterals to encourage bigger and better fruit.