The sun is shining but gardeners may still run into problems when growing these juicy fruits if they aren’t properly looked after. Here’s how to make them ripen in no time
If your tomatoes are still an unappetising green this summer, don’t fret – his simple expert tip will help them turn a delicious red.
With the sun still blazing and the UK entering yet another heat blast, many of us are trying our hand at gardening. And there are few better plants to start growing than tomatoes. Not only are they relatively straightforward to grow, they make a versatile and delicious ingredient for your meals.
However, gardeners may still run into problems when growing these juicy fruits if they aren’t properly maintained. If you notice your tomatoes are looking a little lacklustre, there is one easy task you may be missing out on.
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David Glass, head gardener at Bowood House and Gardens told Ideal Homes that a simple pruning technique known as “pinching out” may help with ripening your tomatoes.
Pinching out is a pruning method that encourages flowering and fruiting plants to channel their energy into existing trusses (which are stems that produce cluster flowers). It also increases air circulation and lowers the risk of disease.
Particularly if you’re growing a cordon variety of tomato – which grow fruit along one leading stem – not pinching it out could be a reason why they aren’t turning a delicious bright red.
David Glass advised: “After a tomato plant has produced five trusses of fruit, I recommend you stop the plant from growing further by removing the growing tip of the main stem‘
He explained that this is because it encourages the plant to use its energy to ripen the existing fruit instead of continuing to grow new trusses.
He also recommended cutting some of the lower leaves off the stem. This way, you allow more light in and increase the air flow around the plant.
Other tips for helping your tomato plants flourish is to make sure you keep them cool during heatwaves. While they enjoy the sunshine, too-high temperatures can stress them out.
An easy way to keep them safe when it begins to swelter is to move them to a shadier spot in the garden. If they’re in a greenhouse, David suggests painting the glass so it reflects light away.
Another good tip is to be careful over how much you’re watering your tomato plants. Overwatering can lead to problems like wilting stems, mushy leaves and even blossom end rot, which can render parts of your tomato inedible.
Similarly, you can also keep tomatoes topped up with nutrients by feeding them a fertiliser. You can either buy tomato fertiliser in a homeware store or make it yourself at home.