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How to pot on tomato seedlings

How to pot on tomato seedlings

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 5 May 2019 at 12:00 pm

Ensure young tomatoes have plenty of room to grow by potting them on – we show you how.

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Tomato seedlings grow fast and are hungry feeders, so keep them in vigorous growth by potting on as soon as they have rooted through their containers.

The more space they're given in the greenhouse, the stronger they'll be, as tightly packed plants tend to be drawn upwards with weak stems.

You can sow tomatoes into April, so if you haven't started them off yet, take a look at our tried and tasted favourite tomato cultivars, to help you decide.

Growing tomatoes in grow bags? Watch this quick video with Alan Titchmarsh on how to plant tomatoes in growing bags.

Discover how to pot on tomato seedlings, below.

You Will Need

Tomato plants
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Potting on tomatoes - removing the seedlings from their pots

Handle seedlings with care when easing them out of their containers for repotting to minimise root disturbance.

Step 2

Potting on tomatoes - removing the first set of true leaves

The tiny leaves below the first true leaves can be removed so that when the plant is potted deep into the compost, they'll not rot.

Step 3

Potting on tomatoes - planting the young seedlings

Lower the plant into a larger pot so that the true leaves are just above the compost surface, filling in gaps and topping up the pot with multi-purpose compost. The stem below the surface will grow more roots, to boost the crop.

Planting out your tomatoes

When the time comes to plant out your tomatoes – usually done after the last frosts in May – choose a sunny, sheltered spot which will boost the flavour of your tomatoes, and how many you harvest. If growing in a greenhouse, try planting basil alongside the plants, which enjoys the same conditions.

Trowel and garden hand fork

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