With tomato season in full swing, you might want to learn how to grow your own – to ensure they taste even better, it’s important to plant them near one common herb
Tomatoes are a staple in my fresh fruit consumption, so it seemed logical to try cultivating them myself. With numerous gardening experts asserting that homegrown tomatoes far surpass shop-bought ones in taste, I was keen to put my green thumb to the test.
I chose a beefsteak tomato plant, renowned for being one of the top varieties and producing the largest tomatoes. Having procured my tomato plant, the next step was deciding where to plant it.
My greenhouse seemed the ideal spot, as tomato plants are reputed to thrive there, typically yielding an earlier and larger harvest, according to the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society. However, for the tastiest tomatoes, it’s advised to plant them alongside basil, say garden gurus Jim and Mary Competti of Simple Garden Life – a herb I had already relocated to my greenhouse, reports the Express.
They explained: “One of the best ways to grow healthier and more productive tomato plants is to companion plant basil with your tomatoes. They love it.”
“In fact, not only can it help you to a bigger harvest, but an even tastier and juicier one too. Many well-known chefs and home gardeners swear to it, noting that their tomatoes and basil both have a much greater depth of flavour when they grow together.”
With a pair of basil plants already nestled in my greenhouse, it was time to introduce my tomato plant.
After being left in the greenhouse pot with scant water during the recent heatwave, my tomato plant was looking a bit peaky, but nothing a transplant and a splash of water couldn’t sort out.
To get the tomatoes in the ground, I began by digging a deep hole to add some homemade compost, giving the plant a nutrient boost.
Next, it was time to nestle the tomato plant deep into the hole, as the submerged stem section will sprout extra roots. I also ensured there was ample space between the tomato and basil plants to avoid nutrient competition.
After planting, I gave the tomato plant a thorough soak. It’s crucial to water the soil around them, never from above.
Besides hydration, tomato plants have a unique growth need. They require pollination if you’re after tomatoes rather than just flowers.
So, I always leave the greenhouse door ajar to foster optimal pollination conditions. Once the plant starts flowering, that’s my cue to begin weekly fertilisation.
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