Growing Tomatoes With Flavour

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, but getting real depth of flavour can be tricky. Modern breeding has often prioritised yield and shelf-life over taste. With a few key tips and techniques, however, you can grow tomatoes that are bursting with flavour.

1. Choose Your Seeds Carefully

• Many tomato seeds sold in the UK are F1 hybrids, bred primarily for consistency and durability—often at the expense of flavour.
• For tastier results, look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, especially Italian seeds, which are typically less over-bred and more flavour-focused.
• Great examples include Italian beef or beefsteak tomatoes, known for their rich, juicy flesh.
• If you are late sowing your tomato seed try some young tomato plants from your local Garden Centre
  

2. Benefit from 2025’s Improved Light Levels

• Early spring in the UK often struggles with light, which can stunt early growth and reduce flavour.
• Fortunately, 2025 has brought significantly better light levels, offering a promising start for tomato crops this season.
  

3. Use Soil-Based Compost

• For flavour-packed tomatoes, use John Innes No. 1 and No. 2 compost, either individually or mixed.
• These composts provide steady nutrients and better moisture control, key for healthy, flavour-rich plants.
  

4. Plant in Clay Pots with the Bases Removed

Note the up turned pot in corner to support toads to control slugs

• Plant young tomato plants in bottomless clay pots (or plastic ones if needed) placed directly onto grow bags or garden or glasshouse soil
• This technique:
  
  • Encourages a dry stem to prevent rot.
  • Allows roots to access deeper moisture and nutrients.
  • Creates a humid microclimate beneficial for tomato growth.
    

5. Start Feeding at 10–15cm Tall

• Once plants reach 100–150mm (10–15cm), begin liquid feeding every three weeks with tomato feed.
• Alternate occasionally with seaweed feed, which is rich in micronutrients that enhance fruit development.
• Avoid overfeeding—too much can reduce flavour and cause leafiness over fruiting.
  

6. Maintain Steady Moisture

• Fluctuating water levels can lead to poor fruit quality or splitting.
• Using John Innes compost helps maintain a consistent moisture level, reducing stress on the plant.
  

7. Add Companion Plants

• Sow calendula and nasturtium seeds around the base of tomato plants.
• These provide:
  
  • Natural pest deterrents.
  • A habitat for beneficial insects.
  • Additional humidity for healthier tomato plants.
    

8. Boost Humidity in Greenhouses

• If growing in a greenhouse, water the surrounding paths or floor.
• This raises humidity, which tomatoes love as they grow and fruit.
  

9. Support Early and Well

• Insert canes or support strings early on, tying in the tomato plants as they grow.
• This prevents snapping and encourages upright, healthy growth.
  

10. Prune for Sun and Flavour

• As fruit starts to form, remove some side shoots in the leaf axes after the fruit starts to form
• This channels energy into fruit production and allows more sunlight to reach and ripen the tomatoes.