Tomatoes
Solanum lycopersicum · Moderate
A high-value warm-season crop, with bush and cordon habits requiring different training.
Sow
Sow indoors from February to April.
Plant
Plant into a greenhouse or outdoors after frost, usually May–June.
Harvest
July to October, earlier under protection.
Practical growing notes
Give tomatoes the right space.
- Plant spacing
- Usually 45–60 cm, depending on habit and training.
- Light
- Full sun and shelter.
- Containers
- Excellent in large pots or growing bags.
Why grow it?
High flavour and value, with many compact varieties for small spaces.
Watch for
Needs feeding, consistent watering and appropriate support; outdoor crops face blight risk.
Keep the bed moving
What can follow tomatoes?
A quick cool-season leaf crop for spring and autumn, with repeat pickings from small sowings.
brassica familyRocketA compact peppery leaf crop that can be harvested repeatedly and grows well in containers.
onion familyGarlicA low-maintenance overwintering crop planted as named, disease-free cloves.
pea and bean familyBroad beansA hardy bean that provides an early harvest and can free a bed in time for summer crops.