Tomatoes are a popular crop among gardeners in the UK due to their delicious taste and versatility in cooking. However, knowing when to plant tomato plants outside can be tricky, especially for beginners.
In this article, we will provide you with detailed and concise information on when to buy tomato plants, when to plant tomato seeds, and when to plant tomato outside.
When to Buy Tomato Plants in the UK?
Tomato plants are typically available for purchase from late April to early June in the UK.
However, it’s essential to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting them outside.
In the UK, the last frost date is usually around mid to late May. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait until this time before buying tomato plants.
You can get high quality tomato seeds from Crocus UK.
When to Plant Tomato Seeds?
If you prefer to start your tomatoes from seeds, it’s best to do so indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. This allows the seedlings to mature before transplanting them outside.
Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with compost, water them, and place them in a warm, sunny location.
Keep the soil moist and transplant them into individual pots once they have grown their first set of true leaves.
When to Plant Tomato Plants Outside?
Tomato plants thrive in warm weather, so it’s crucial to plant them outside when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In the UK, this is typically in late May to early June.
Check out the tomato collections at YouGarden UK.
Before planting, prepare the soil by digging in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. This helps to improve the soil’s structure and provide essential nutrients for the growing plants.
When planting the tomato plants outside, ensure they are planted deep enough to cover the bottom set of leaves. This encourages the plant to develop a strong root system, which is essential for healthy growth.
Space the plants around 60cm apart to allow room for growth, and water them regularly to keep the soil moist.
Read about how to protect your tomato from squirrels and slugs
Ready, Set, Grow! Put Tomato Plants Outside
Knowing when to plant tomato plants outside in the UK is essential for a successful crop.
Wait until the risk of frost has passed before buying tomato plants, start tomato seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, and plant them outside in late May to early June when the soil has warmed up.
For more information on growing and staking tomato plants for the best results, visit this article. This article is based on our expereince and provides a practical approch to staking tomato plant using bamboo sticks.