As warm temperatures persist across the UK, now is the ideal time to plant tomatoes outdoors. Tomato plants should be placed outside once frost risk has passed and overnight temperatures stay reliably above 10°C, typically mid-May to early June for most regions.
Expert Advice on Planting Timing
Jane Perrone, a houseplant specialist and host of the gardening podcast On The Ledge, warns that a common mistake is moving tomatoes outside too early. She stated on her blog: "Tomatoes stop growing once the temperature drops below 10-12°C at night, and ideally they need 15°C in the day. And frost will kill them, so wait until the frost risk is completely over before sending them outside for good – which is the end of May in my neck of the woods, which is southern England."
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises relocating young tomato plants to their permanent position in early summer once temperatures are "reliably above 16°C (60°F)". Those with greenhouses can transplant immediately, as they are protected from variable temperatures and frost.
Homemade Fertiliser for Faster Growth
Once tomato plants are established, promoting faster growth and abundant harvests becomes a priority. Regular fertilisation is key, and a common kitchen scrap – banana peels – can be used to make effective homemade fertiliser. Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, nutrients that help tomato plants flower and produce fruit.
On YouTube, @kuhinjatanja (My Kitchen Tanja) demonstrated how to prepare banana peel fertiliser. The video description states: "Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and even flowers grow faster and give bigger harvests with this natural fertiliser. In this recipe, I show how to turn banana peels into a simple liquid fertiliser you can use right away, an old gardener's trick that pushes strong growth, more flowers and more fruit."
How to Make Banana Peel Fertiliser
The YouTube creator, with over 2.6 million subscribers, explained that this homemade fertiliser makes gardens "literally flourish." First, cut the banana peel into the smallest cubes possible and transfer them into a jar. Then, pour half a litre of water over the peel and leave it to steep for several hours, preferably overnight. After infusing, strain the liquid to remove the peel. Apply the fertiliser to plants on a weekly basis.
"This natural banana peel fertiliser works best on fruiting plants, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, but also on flowers that bloom much more," she added.
