Top Tomatoes

Afavourite with growers and cooks alike, tomatoes are an incredibly versatile crop. Thanks to the many different types now available, you can grow them in any space. There are also a range of colours, shapes and flavour profiles to be tried, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Tomatoes aren’t difficult to grow, but you do need to understand a few key things about the different types to ensure you give your plants the appropriate care.

Growing habit
The first thing you will need to decide is whether you want to grow cordon or bush tomatoes. Cordon types grow tall and you will need to be able to put supports in place (for example, bamboo canes). They can be grown directly in the ground, or in containers. This type will need to have side- shoots pinched out.

Bush types, on the other hand, are shorter and bushier plants, making them ideal for container and small-space growing. This is often considered the easier type to look after, needing little in the way of care other than the usual feeding and watering – none of the supports and pinching out of shoots.

Types of toms
Another thing you will need to consider is the type of tomato you want to grow (in most cases, all of them!). This will depend on what you use your tomatoes for. You have big, hefty beefsteaks, versatile plums, cherry tomatoes and even miniature currant varieties. They all have many benefits, and all deserve a place on the plot in their own way – but you may find you want to dedicate space to the ones you will get the most use out of.

Within these types there are also vast ranges of different characteristics – from different sizes, shapes, textures and flavours, to colours ranging through reds, oranges, yellows, greens, stripes, purples and pinks. So, experiment with a new variety or two each year, and you’ll soon have a list of favourites to cover off all of your tomatoey needs.

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