June is the month to plant tomatoes outside, but if you want them to grow bigger and tastier, Monty Don has a simple tip for you – and it will only take you two minutes.
June is the perfect time to plant your tomatoes outdoors and gardening expert Monty Don recommends giving the plants a little TLC by pinching out any side shoots, which sprout between the leaves and stems, to prevent the crop from becoming leggy and impacting the flavour of your tomatoes.
Last year in his blog, the BBC star advised: “They [side shoots] grow with extra vigour and although they do bear trusses of fruit, they take energy from the plant and reduce the overall harvest as well as making a cordon plant straggly.
“So they should be removed as they appear. The best way to do this is in the morning when the plant is turgid, simply breaking them off with a finger and thumb.
“However, in the evening they will be limper and may tear the plant, so it should be cut off with a knife.”
The seasoned presenter stresses that only cordon tomatoes need this pruning tactic, while bush varieties can grow unchecked.
Monty also warns against common oversights like neglecting to feed the tomatoes, which could leave you without a single fruit due to lack of vital nutrients, reports the Express.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advised: “To boost fruiting, especially with plants in containers, feed every 10 to 14 days with a high potassium liquid fertiliser once the first fruits start to swell.”
Keen gardeners should avoid over-feeding as it can lead to issues, and always check instructions on the bottle or packet before use.
Support is crucial for the larger cordon tomato varieties to help prevent damage as they grow; tying them up with stakes and string does the trick.
For bush tomatoes, even a short stake in the centre could prove advantageous.
Gardeners must ensure their tomato plants bask in full sunlight for around six hours daily, and regularly water the soil to maintain moisture, ensuring they’re rewarded with plentiful “trusses of fruit”.