If you’re wondering how to grow tomatoes in the UK, you will need to know the ideal conditions.
Naturally, when it comes to tomatoes, there are also unique tending practices to be aware of. These excellent crops can benefit the human body in more ways than one, which is no wonder they are all the rage, even in the UK.
However, certain parts of the UK are known to have high temperatures, especially during summer. However, tomatoes don’t thrive in the heat, some steps that one can follow to ensure that they yield a bountiful and healthy harvest.
The Proper Way of Growing Tomatoes
Even under the recommended environment, tomatoes can already be quite tricky to cultivate, and more so in areas with extremely high or low temperatures. Various temperatures mean that growing them in the United Kingdom will be difficult.
When is the best time to start planting?
If you want your crops to grow in the best parts of the country possible, you will need to provide the best start. That means that you have to begin planting at the right time, whether during spring, summer, or autumn.
The temperature plays one of the most significant roles in successfully cultivating tomatoes. They do best in warm seasons, so during winters, they will refuse to grow. Unless you have a greenhouse, producing home-grown tomatoes will be challenging.
As soon as winter passes, however, you have to start transplanting your crops. UK experts recommend beginning as early as possible to take advantage of the cooler spring weather.
The temperature in the United Kingdom can be harsh during summers, so you might find it hard to maintain your tomatoes’ conditions. But if you switch to heat-tolerant variations, like Tycoon, Celebrity, and Sunmaster, you can still get a fruitful harvest.
On the other hand, growing them during autumn is possible, although one must take extra precautions. You would have to start transplanting in July, but since the temperature by that time can still be pretty high, be sure to tend to your crops’ needs.
Keeping the surrounding soil moist is crucial to their growth, so using mulch can aid you when it comes to this. Also, keep your tomatoes protected from the scorching sun rays by providing shade.
What are the Benefits of polytunnel gardening?
If you’re serious about growing tomatoes or any vegetable, fruit, herb, or flower, you should consider trying your hand at polytunnel gardening. Whether you plan to set up a mini-greenhouse, a semi-pro greenhouse, or a hobby greenhouse, you can be sure that you’ll be reaping the rewards of your hard work. Here’s a look at some of the attractive benefits of growing your plants in a greenhouse:
Extended growing seasons
The most apparent benefit of polytunnel gardening is an extended growing season. Since its enclosed space allows you to manipulate the climate for growing, you won’t put your plants at risk when you swing temperatures at the start or the end of the regular planting season. In other words, you’ll be free to grow any plant all year round!
Protection from inclement weather
Growing your plants in a polytunnel allows them to have a level of protection from bad weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about the adverse effects of unseasonal temperature swings and strong winds on your delicate plants. The structure diffuses the sunlight while providing enough ventilation for your plants to enjoy.
Wide range of plant options
Growing plants that aren’t native to your region is a non-issue when it comes to polytunnel gardening. If you’re looking to grow warm-season vegetables and tropical plants, a polytunnel can provide them with enough warmth and humidity. Thanks to the consistent heat and the insulation that it provides, you can easily make adjustments to reap your ideal harvest.
Protection from pests and vermin
Having your polytunnel can be highly beneficial if you want to ensure that your plants are kept safe from harmful insects and animals. Predators that include deer, moles, and birds won’t have access to the enclosed structure. Moreover, polytunnel gardening eliminates the need for toxic chemicals or pesticides meant to keep unwanted critters at bay.
Customisation and portability
When choosing a greenhouse, you can find a slew of portable and customisable options that are easy to assemble and maintain.
How To Grow Tomatoes In the UK Effectively?
Tomatoes are known to grow best when the garden soil is rich in organic matter. Therefore, add high-quality organic materials such as compost, leaves, or mulch. These will keep the weeds under control and the soil hydrated and cool.
You can also grow tomatoes in pots, but skip using garden soil and switch to potting mix instead. In addition, organic materials are necessary, as well as drip irrigation.
By the time you transfer them outside, the garden soil condition should remain ideal for tomatoes. Apply fertilisers before planting them, after the first yields are one-third grown, two weeks after they are fully developed, and more after a month.
Remember, the basics of how to grow tomatoes in the UK begins with water, so be sure to water them every two to four days and to always observe for signs of pests and diseases.