If you want to know how to grow tomatoes in the UK, this article will get you off on the right path. Growing tomatoes in the United Kingdom’s erratic climate can be a challenge. However, with adequate preparation, gardening in the United Kingdom can be a rewarding experience.
When Should You Plant Tomatoes in the UK?
The best time to plant your tomatoes is after the danger of frost. During this time, temperatures should be in the low to mid-40s at nighttime and at least above 50 during the day. Cooler temperatures during the daytime can hamper the growth of your tomato plants and reduce yield.
Many gardeners in the UK use polytunnels to extend the growing season. They also use it to protect the plants from cold winds and temperature drops.
Which Tomatoes Grow Best in the UK?
While it’s challenging to grow tomatoes in the UK, some varieties thrive well in the area. Some of the tomatoes you should consider planting in the UK include hybrid tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes.
Hybrid tomatoes are full of flavour and highly resistant to common tomato diseases. On the other hand, heirloom tomatoes have great taste, but they’re more prone to catching certain plant diseases.
For early-season planting, try other types such as Stupice, Early Girl, and Fourth of July. If you’re looking for great choices for mid-season planting, try Ace and Champion. If you’re a big fan of cherry tomatoes, try Super Sweet 100s and Sun Gold.
What are the Tips on How to Grow Tomatoes in the UK?
Tomatoes need fertile soil, water, fertiliser, and sunlight to grow and yield fruit. Whether you’re planting tomatoes for the first time or you’ve been doing it for years, here are tips you should remember.
Sunny Location
Your tomato plants should have access to sunlight for at least six hours a day. It would help if you also planted them in warm, fertile soil.
Time
As mentioned, plant your tomatoes after the last frost.
Plant Deep in the Soil
Plant your tomatoes deep in the ground till the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches to provide room for roots to grow. You can loosen heavy soil by adding compost or manure. Adding compost or manure improves the texture and drainage of your plants.
Water Regularly
Make sure to water your plants regularly. If you miss a week and make up for it by overwatering, the fruits will crack.
Plant Maintenance
To keep your plant healthy, remove weeds as well as the lower leaves. When the leaves closest to the ground turn yellow, removing them will prevent diseases. It will also improve air circulation.
What is UK’s Growing Zone?
Although the UK hardiness zone falls within Zone 3a to Zone 7a, the UK temperatures may still vary. For example, even if you fall under zone 6a, the temperature could still lower than the average noted temperature.
If you start planting 6a plants, make sure to keep them protected. Otherwise, there could be winter dieback, and your plants may suffer from it.
The UK gardeners need to know their zones because it determines the winter hardiness. Winter hardiness is one of the most critical factors in ensuring plant survival. Additionally, gardeners should consider the high winds, scorching heat, poor soils, and cold winters.
To grow tomatoes and other vegetables in the UK, make sure to check seed packets and nursery catalogues. Checking packets and catalogues ensures that you’re growing plants that thrive in your zone. You can grow healthy vegetables with enough sun exposure, healthy soil, regular watering, and companion planting.
What Type of Vegetables Grow Well in the UK?
Once you know your zone, you’ll better understand which plants grow best in your area. While you’ll face certain limitations when growing vegetables in the UK, several fruits and vegetables grow well in the area.
It’s best to start planting your seeds indoors. Planting seeds indoors at the beginning allows you to hasten the harvest and extend the growing season regardless of the UK’s cooler climate. Some of the vegetables you can grow during cooler seasons include beets, cabbage, kale, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, leeks, chard, cauliflower, peas, onions, parsley, spinach, potatoes, and radishes.
On the other hand, warm-season vegetables include beans, corn, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, squash, melons, and cucumbers.
Why Should You Consider Growing Tomatoes in Polytunnel?
Growing tomatoes in polytunnels are worth the investment because gardening in the UK can be challenging, especially during spring when temperatures vary. For this reason, gardeners must grow vegetables in a polytunnel. Growing vegetables in a polytunnel protects your plants from harsh weather conditions and prevents pests and diseases from destroying your plants.
By controlling the climate and caring for the soil, you can quickly grow tomatoes in polytunnel throughout the year. Aside from the fact that polytunnel allows your plants to have longer growing seasons, it also helps you plant more vegetables, increases your production, and protects seasonal pests and diseases.
The Bottom Line
Polytunnels may need a significant investment, but the benefits you get from setting up your polytunnel quickly outweigh the cost. Healthier plants, higher yields, and longer growing seasons are just some of the many benefits you get to enjoy.
Now that you know how to grow tomatoes in the UK, the next thing you need to do is to invest in a polytunnel. If you’re looking for high-quality and affordable polytunnels in the UK, check out Krostrade. Our polytunnels made from quality materials, and they’re able to withstand harsh weather conditions.