How to Grow Tomatoes in the UK
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the UK. They’re productive, rewarding, and can be grown in gardens, greenhouses, or containers.
Because tomatoes prefer warm conditions, they usually need to be started indoors before being planted outside later in spring.
With sunlight, regular watering, and simple support, tomatoes are very achievable for beginners.
When to plant tomatoes
Tomato seeds are usually started indoors between March and April in the UK.
Young plants are typically moved outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Tomatoes can be grown:
outdoors in a sunny spot
in containers
in a greenhouse
Waiting until nights are warmer helps plants establish successfully.
Where to grow tomatoes
Tomatoes grow best in:
full sun
sheltered locations
containers or garden beds
Containers are especially popular because they:
warm up quickly
are easy to water
make feeding simpler
Choose a position that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil requirements
Tomatoes grow best in rich soil with compost added.
In containers, use good-quality compost designed for vegetables or tomatoes.
Because tomatoes grow quickly, they benefit from soil that holds moisture while draining well.
How to plant tomatoes
To plant tomato seedlings:
Plant deeply so part of the stem is below the soil
Firm the soil gently around the plant
Water well after planting
Add a support cane or stake
Planting deeply helps tomatoes develop strong roots.
Watering tomatoes
Tomatoes need regular watering, especially once fruit begins to develop.
Keep soil:
consistently moist
not waterlogged
Containers may need watering daily during warm weather.
Irregular watering can cause fruit to split.
Feeding tomato plants
Tomatoes benefit from feeding once flowers appear.
A simple tomato feed every week or two during the growing season helps plants produce more fruit.
Feeding is especially important for container-grown tomatoes.
Common problems
Beginners sometimes notice:
leaves curling in hot weather
fruit splitting from uneven watering
slow growth in cool weather
Most problems improve once temperatures are warmer and watering is consistent. If tomato leaves begin turning yellow, it’s often related to watering or nutrients. Read why tomato leaves turn yellow for common causes and simple fixes.
Harvesting tomatoes
Tomatoes are usually ready to harvest in summer through early autumn.
Pick tomatoes when they are:
fully coloured
slightly soft
easy to remove from the plant
Regular harvesting encourages more fruit to develop.
Beginner tips
Tomatoes are easier to grow than many beginners expect.
For best results:
start seeds indoors
plant in a sunny location
water consistently
feed during the growing season
support plants as they grow
Even a single plant can produce plenty of tomatoes.