When to Plant Tomatoes in a Greenhouse in the UK

If you live in the UK and you're growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, you're lucky enough to have a longer growing season than most. With the right care, you can start plants earlier, extend the growing season, and produce more fruit. One important factor in greenhouse tomato growing is timing. Here are some tips on when to plant tomatoes in a greenhouse in the UK.

Starting Early with Seedlings

If you want to get an early start, you can begin by planting your tomato seeds indoors in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Tomato seeds need about six to eight weeks to germinate and grow into seedlings that are ready to transplant. You can start planting seedlings as early as February or March, depending on the weather and the warmth of your greenhouse.

Transplanting Mature Plants

If you're transplanting mature tomato plants into your greenhouse, you can typically do this in late April or early May. By this time, the danger of frost is typically over, and the weather in the UK is starting to warm up. Be sure to acclimate your plants to the greenhouse environment by gradually introducing them to the conditions before planting.

Continuous Planting for Extended Greenhouse Season

If you want to extend your greenhouse season and produce more tomatoes, you can practice continuous planting. This involves planting new tomato seedlings every few weeks throughout the growing season so that you always have mature plants producing fruit. You can typically continue planting until around mid-summer in the UK, depending on the weather and growing conditions.

Be Mindful of Temperature Regulation

One of the most important things to remember when planting tomatoes in a greenhouse is to regulate the temperature. Tomatoes thrive at temperatures between 18°C and 27°C, so make sure the temperature in your greenhouse is within this range. You can use fans, vents, and shading to regulate the temperature to ensure your plants thrive.

Conclusion

Planting tomatoes in a greenhouse in the UK can provide a longer growing season and more abundant produce. By starting early, transplanting mature plants, and practicing continuous planting, you can get the most out of your greenhouse. Just remember to always be mindful of temperature regulation to ensure your plants thrive.