Tomatoes are a great choice if you want to try growing your own food. They can be grown almost anywhere – even in a pot on the windowsill – and they’re really easy. With a little effort, you could be harvesting your own homegrown tomatoes right through to late summer. Your plant will arrive with some fruit already growing, though it will need a little while to ripen. Once ripe, cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, and ready to eat straight from the vine or use in cooking.

There are several things a tomato plant needs to provide abundant fruit. Sunlight is essential. Full sun is best, but otherwise very light shade. Moist soil is also really important. Check it every day and never let it dry out. Drying out can cause split fruit. And a feed at least a couple of times per month will give your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive. 

This plant is ready to go outside straight away, as long as the risk of frost has passed (you’re likely fine from May onwards). It will have some canes in the pot to give your plant support. If you choose to move it to a bigger pot later, it may need larger supports, but it will likely be fine in its current pot. If you’ve got a taste for growing your own, you could also try growing herbs and flowers from seed.

Did you know?

Tomatoes originate from South and Central America and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century.