As June arrives, it’s the ideal time for gardeners to plant their tomatoes outdoors. Renowned gardening expert Monty Don has shared some valuable advice on how to ensure a bountiful harvest. According to Don, giving tomato plants a bit of tender loving care by removing side shoots is essential. These shoots, which emerge between the leaves and stems, can cause the plants to become leggy and negatively impact the flavor of the tomatoes.
In a previous blog post, the BBC star explained, “Side shoots grow with extra vigor and, although they do bear trusses of fruit, they take energy from the plant and reduce the overall harvest. They also make a cordon plant straggly.” He advised that these shoots should be removed as soon as they appear. The best time to do this is in the morning when the plant is turgid. Simply pinch them off with your fingers. However, in the evening, the shoots will be limper and may tear the plant, so it’s better to cut them off with a knife.
Don emphasized that this pruning technique is only necessary for cordon tomatoes. Bush varieties can grow without such intervention. He also warned against common mistakes like neglecting to feed the plants, which could lead to a lack of vital nutrients and result in no fruit at all, as reported by the Express.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends boosting fruiting, especially for container plants, by feeding them with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer every 10 to 14 days once the first fruits start to swell. However, gardeners should avoid over-feeding, as this can cause problems. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer bottle or packet.
Support is crucial for larger cordon tomato varieties to prevent damage as they grow. Tying them up with stakes and string is an effective method. For bush tomatoes, even a short stake in the center can be beneficial.
To ensure a successful harvest, gardeners must provide their tomato plants with full sunlight for around six hours daily and regularly water the soil to maintain moisture. By following these tips, gardeners can look forward to a plentiful yield of flavorful tomatoes.
