Whether you’re planning a bumper summer vegetable garden, or looking to grow your own on your kitchen windowsill, this British Tomato Fortnight (2-15 June 2025), Dobbies Garden Centres is giving gardeners advice on how they can enjoy homegrown tomatoes throughout the summer months.

Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton talks through his tips on growing tomatoes and how to get the most from your tomato plants this year.

Where to grow

While most tomato varieties perform best in a greenhouse or conservatory, there are varieties that are suited to growing outdoors in beds, on patios or balconies, or even on a warm sunny windowsill. Nigel notes that choosing the right variety for your growing space is key to a successful harvest and you can explore a wide range of varieties at your local Dobbies.

Varieties to grow

Nigel notes that tomatoes are a rewarding grow-your-own choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

For beginners, patio or hanging basket varieties can be an ideal starting point and are great for smaller spaces. It is important to remember though that all tomatoes require regular watering, feeding, and some training depending on how you choose to grow them.

If you’re short on space, Nigel says tomatoes do well in containers and can be grown on a sunny balcony or patio. To ensure healthy growth, use a large pot and fill it with some crocks at the bottom for drainage. Then, fill the pot with a good quality peat-free compost and plant your tomatoes using a hand trowel. Place the container in a sunny spot and you can enjoy tomatoes in as little as a few months.

If you’re looking to grow tomatoes indoors, Nigel suggests picking up a Pick-N-Joy tomato plant from your local Dobbies. These plants come ready with ‘pick and enjoy’ tomatoes so you can enjoy sweet cherry tomatoes from your windowsill with minimal fuss. Just be sure to water and feed them regularly, and if the weather warms up, you can also move them outside to a balcony or patio.

Looking after your tomato plants

Nigel says that while growing tomatoes is rewarding, proper care is essential for healthy plants and a good crop. Here are his top tips:

• Start feeding with tomato fertiliser once the first trusses start to set.
• Water regularly, early morning or late afternoon is best, making sure the soil stays consistently moist – tomato plants should never be allowed to dry out.
• If you’re growing tall varieties, you should support them with bamboo canes and pinch out the side shoots to focus the energy on fruit.

When to harvest

Your tomatoes will be ready to pick between July and October but if you’re not sure when to harvest, Nigel recommends letting the colour be your guide. When they’re rich in colour and pull away easily from the plant, they’re ripe and ready.

To explore Dobbies’ full range of grow your own plants and gardening products, and for more inspiration, visit www.dobbies.com.