Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Should tomatoes be on your mind
MAT COWARD offers invaluable advice on which type to grow according to flavour preferences, size of you pocket, timing and plant reliability
YUMMY: (L to R) Beefsteak tomato; blue cheese, basil, tomato and dressing on toast [(l to R) jeffreyw/CC - Lufa Farms/CC]

 

IN SURVEYS and studies, tomatoes generally come first on the list of the most popular vegetables for home-growing in the UK, even ahead of potatoes. In a way that’s quite surprising.

Of course, toms needn’t take up much room, and you don’t need an actual garden or allotment in which to grow them, but they aren’t the easiest crop, being prey to numerous diseases and other problems. Besides which, tomato seeds tend to be relatively expensive.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Bryn Glas and Pilleth Church on the right - the Wellingtonia trees half way up the slope mark the rectangular burial ground   Pic: Ian Paterson/CC
Borderlands A Country Diary September 11 2026 / 10 September 2026
10 September 2026

In June 1402 Owain Glyndwr defeats the English in a battle of Bryn Glas, a fact not introduced to the school curriculum in Wales until 2022. MARK SEDDON revisits the battlefield

KB
Album reviews / 3 August 2026
3 August 2026

Rereleases from Nazareth, and The Strawbs, and a fine collection of covers and new songs from Grey DeLisle & Les Greene

Savoy Italian cabbage. Photo: Goldlocki/CC
Gardening / 2 January 2026
2 January 2026

MAT COWARD takes a look at some of the options for keen gardeners as we enter 2026

(L to R) Flowering parsnip in its second year; Oven baked parsnip with honey and mustard / Pics (L to R): Pic: Skogkatten/CC Takeaway/CC
Gardening / 6 December 2025
6 December 2025

Commiserations if you failed this year, MAT COWARD offers six points which, if followed religiously, will ensure you succeed next year