Learn about tomatoes
Where do tomatoes come from?
We might be used to popping to the shops to get delicious tomatoes, but they actually started thousands of years ago as wild plants growing throughout South America
The ancient Aztecs grew and ate tomatoes for many years before Spanish explorers brought them back to Europe. They quickly became extremely popular, and thanks to how easy they are to grow, they’ve been around ever since
Different kinds of tomatoes
Did you know there are around 10,000 different types of tomatoes? Here are some you might find at the shops:
Cherry Tomatoes
Small, round, and sweet, cherry tomatoes are the perfect snack or addition to salads
Beef Tomatoes
Beef tomatoes are big and juicy and great for slicing up for burgers or sandwiches
Heirloom Tomatoes
These come in different colours and shapes and grow from seeds passed down for many years
Plum Tomatoes
Plum tomatoes are less juicy than other tomatoes, which makes them great for cooking
Growing your own tomatoes
February is the perfect time to start planting tomato seeds indoors or in the greenhouse, so let’s take a look at what they need to thrive:
Peat-free potting compost
Peat-free compost is good for plants and better for the environment, too
Seed tray
Seed trays have small pockets that give tomato seeds space to sprout
Sunny-but-sheltered spot
Tomatoes grow best in a sunny spot where the wind can't damage them
Warm Temperature
Keeping tomato plants in warm places helps them grow more tomatoes
Moist Soil
Tomatoes love damp soil, so remember to water them, but not too much
Caring for your tomato plant
With a little bit of love and care, your seeds will grow into plants with lots of yummy tomatoes to eat!
Watering
Water your tomato plant regularly so the soil stays damp but not too wet
Moving Seedlings
Move your growing plants to a larger pot with more room for their roots
Pruning
Remove old or dead leaves to allow the sun to shine on your tomato plant
Feeding
Once flowers start growing, give your tomato food to help it flourish
Eggshells
Sprinkle crushed eggshells on the soil to give your plant extra nutrients
Harvesting
When the tomatoes turn red and shiny, they’re ready to pick – and eat!