There’s nothing quite like the taste of a sun-ripened tomato, still warm from the vine. If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly grown British tomato – juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavour – you know there’s no supermarket variety that can compare.
The 2nd June marks the start of British Tomato Fortnight – a two-week celebration of the deliciously juicy, marvellously nutritious toms we grow in Britain!
British tomatoes thrive in our variable climate when given the right care. They’re a fantastic crop for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Whether you’re working with a sprawling garden or a sunny balcony, a bumper crop is well within reach.
In the UK, the best time to sow tomato seeds is late February to early April. Start them indoors on a sunny windowsill or with a grow light. Sow the seeds in seed trays or small pots using quality seed compost. Keep them warm – around 18–21°C – and moist, but not waterlogged. Flavour starts with the variety. Some of the tastiest British tomato varieties include:
- ‘Ailsa Craig’ – A classic variety with well-balanced flavour, perfect for slicing.
- ‘Gardener’s Delight’ – A cherry tomato favourite, sweet and prolific.
- ‘Sungold’ – Incredibly sweet golden-orange cherry tomatoes.
- ‘Crimson Crush’ – Blight-resistant and packed with flavour.
Look for seeds marked “open pollinated” or heirloom if you want to save seeds for next year.
Once your seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. This gives them space to grow strong root systems. Around late May, when the risk of frost has passed, begin hardening off your plants – placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a week to ten days.
Tomatoes love warmth and sun. Choose a sheltered, sunny location, ideally south-facing, and protected from wind. Whether you’re growing in grow bags, pots, raised beds, or a greenhouse, ensure good drainage and rich, fertile soil. For containers, use a tomato-specific compost or a mix of multi-purpose compost and well-rotted manure.
Caring for your tomato crop
The secret to truly flavoursome tomatoes is consistent watering and regular feeding.
- Water evenly to prevent split fruit or blossom end rot.
- Water at the base of the plant – wet leaves encourage disease.
- Feed with a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) once flowers appear.
Too much nitrogen-rich feed can lead to leafy plants with little fruit.
If you’re growing cordon (indeterminate) tomatoes like ‘Ailsa Craig’ or ‘Gardener’s Delight’, pinch out the side shoots that form between the main stem and branches. This helps the plant focus its energy on fruit production rather than foliage.
For bush (determinate) varieties, like many cherry tomatoes, you can let them sprawl – just support the branches as needed.
Keep an eye out for pests…
Watch out for:
- Aphids – Control with neem oil or wash off with water.
- Tomato blight – A risk in damp summers; consider resistant varieties or greenhouse growing.
- Slugs – Use beer traps or copper tape around pots.
Always rotate crops and clean up at the end of the season to reduce risk of disease.
Are you following us on social yet? Don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter and follow our socials for more news and offers.
Follow us on Instagram @hildreths.garden.centre and on Facebook @Hildreths Garden Centre