When to Put Out Tomato Plants in the UK

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile vegetables to grow in the UK, with a wide range of varieties available to suit every taste and growing environment. However, to get the best results from your tomato plants, it's important to know when to put them out in the garden.

Factors to Consider

Before you put out your tomato plants, there are several factors to consider that will affect their growth and fruiting:

Frost: Tomatoes are tender plants that are easily damaged by frost. In the UK, the last frost date varies depending on where you live, but generally falls between mid-April and mid-May.

Temperature: Tomato plants need warm temperatures to thrive, with daytime temperatures of at least 18°C and nighttime temperatures of no lower than 12°C. If the weather is still cool, it's best to delay planting until it warms up.

Soil temperature: Soil temperature is also important for tomato plants. They prefer a soil temperature of at least 12°C for optimal growth and fruiting.

Watering: Tomatoes need regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during hot, dry weather. If you can't keep up with the watering schedule, it's best to wait until conditions are more favourable.

Location: Tomatoes need a sunny location to grow well, with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If your garden is shaded or has poor soil, you may need to make amendments or consider growing in containers.

Best Time to Plant Tomato Plants in the UK

The best time to plant tomato plants in the UK is after the last frost date, when the soil has warmed up and the temperatures are consistently above 12°C. Depending on where you live, this can be anywhere from mid-May to early June.

However, if you have a sheltered garden or greenhouse, you can start your tomato plants indoors several weeks before the last frost date and then transplant them outside once the weather has warmed up.

How to Plant Tomato Plants

To plant tomato plants, follow these steps:

Prepare the soil: Tomatoes grow best in rich, well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. If your soil is heavy or has poor drainage, consider building raised beds or growing in containers.

Choose the right varieties: Choose tomato plants that are suited to your growing environment and taste preferences. There are many different types of tomatoes, including cherry, beefsteak, and heirloom varieties.

Plant the seedlings: When transplanting seedlings into the garden, dig a hole that is slightly deeper than the root ball and 30-40cm apart. Space rows at least 60cm apart. Firm the soil around the base of the plant and water well.

Provide support: Tomato plants need support as they grow, so install stakes or cages around the plants to keep them upright.

Water regularly: Water tomato plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting moisture on the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilize: Tomato plants need regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and fruiting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

In Conclusion

Knowing when to put out tomato plants in the UK is essential for growing healthy, productive plants that will reward you with a bountiful harvest of juicy, delicious tomatoes. By considering factors such as frost, temperature, soil temperature, watering, and location, and following best practices for planting and care, you can enjoy a successful tomato growing season that will have you savouring the taste of summer all year round.