Fruit, Fruit, Fruit & Vegetables, Fruit Plants, Outdoor Plants, Vegetable Plants & Seeds, Vegetables Tomato Plant “Shirley F1” 3 Plants
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Growing Tomato Plants in 9cm Pots
- ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR VARIETY IN UK - tomato Shirley F1 are one of the most common tomato varieties grown by home gardeners.
- EASY TO GROW - This tomato variety grows really well in the UK.
- TASTEFUL RED TOMATOES - The fruits are produced relatively abundantly and are deep red, and mid-sized.
- WHAT YOU GET - You will recieve 3 seperate plants in 9cm pots ready to plant - All good strong plants perfect for beginners.
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Eventual Height
Can grow up to 2.5 m in the right conditions.
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Pot Size
9 cm
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Season of Interest
Spring/Summer
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Light Required
Full sun
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Watering
Water tomato plants regularly to keep the soil or compost evenly moist. Fluctuating moisture levels can cause problems with the fruit, such as splitting or blossom end rot (see Problem solving, below). Plants in containers dry out quickly, so they may need watering daily in hot weather.
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Best Growing Conditions
Tomatoes need at least 6-8 hours of full sun, along with plenty of heat to thrive. Rotate the site every year to prevent soil-borne diseases and insect infestations. Tomatoes should not be planted in the same spot where eggplant, peppers, or potatoes have recently been grown. Avoid planting tomatoes near corn or plants in the Brassica and Solanum families.
How to care tomatoes in the UK
Tomatoes are a popular and rewarding plant to grow in the UK, but they do require some care to ensure a healthy and productive crop. Here are some tips on how to care for tomatoes in the UK:
- Planting: Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant them in well-draining soil that has been enriched with compost or aged manure. In the UK, it’s best to start tomato seeds indoors in March or April, then transplant them outdoors in late May or early June, after the last frost has passed.
- Watering: Tomatoes need consistent moisture, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Use a watering can or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.
- Fertilizing: Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so they benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks, or a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season. You can also add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility.
- Pruning: Tomatoes can get quite bushy, so it’s a good idea to prune them to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Pinch off the suckers that grow in the joint between the main stem and branches, and remove any leaves that are touching the ground.
- Pest control: Tomatoes can be attacked by a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestation, and take action promptly if you spot any pests. You can use organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.
By following these tips, you should be able to grow healthy and productive tomatoes in the UK. Happy gardening!
Tomato history in the UK
Tomatoes were first introduced to the UK in the mid-16th century, when they were brought back from the Americas by Spanish explorers. However, they were initially grown as ornamental plants rather than food crops, as they were believed to be poisonous.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that tomatoes began to be cultivated as a food crop in the UK, thanks in part to the efforts of a Scottish physician named William Withering. Withering experimented with growing tomatoes and concluded that they were safe to eat, publishing his findings in a medical journal in 1799.
By the mid-19th century, tomatoes had become a popular food crop in the UK, with many commercial growers specializing in tomato cultivation. However, it wasn’t until the development of heated greenhouses in the late 19th century that tomato production in the UK really took off. These greenhouses allowed tomatoes to be grown year-round, even in the cool and damp climate of the UK.
Today, tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables (although technically a fruit) in the UK, and are grown both commercially and in home gardens. British-grown tomatoes are prized for their flavor and are used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to soups to sauces.
Tomato Fruit!
Tomatoes are actually a fruit, not a vegetable. This is because they develop from the ovary of a flowering plant and contain seeds. However, they are commonly used as a vegetable in culinary applications due to their savory taste and low sugar content. The confusion over whether tomatoes are a fruit or vegetable is due to differences in the way they are classified in botany (as a fruit) and in culinary culture (as a vegetable).
