Tomato Growing & Maintenance

Plant the seeds directly in soil once they have germinated, or transplant them to individual pots. In the latter case, you'll need to prune the tomato plants again.

Pruning your tomato plants is one of the best ways to ensure that they remain healthy and produce a good crop. By removing any diseased or damaged leaves, you allow the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy fruit.

Tomatoes need to be pruned fairly regularly - at least once a fortnight - in order to keep them growing well. You can either prune by hand or use a pair of sharp secateurs.

When pruning, always remove any leaves that are yellow or brown. These are likely to be diseased and will only drag the plant down if left in place. Also remove any leaves that are growing inwards towards the centre of the plant, as these will prevent the fruit from getting the sunlight it needs to ripen.

Finally, trim back any long or straggly branches that are growing outside of the plant's main canopy. These will only sap energy away from the rest of the plant, and will produce less fruit than if they were left to grow unchecked.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your tomato plants remain healthy and productive for many seasons to come.