How to Grow Cherry Tomato Plants: Tips from My Manchester, UK Garden

It’s been a couple of years since I last grew tomatoes, but when I did, I absolutely loved it.

There’s something properly satisfying about stepping outside, picking a handful of sun-warmed cherry tomatoes, and sticking them on my sandwich or a homemade pizza.

They’re one of those crops that make you feel like a real gardener — even if the rest of the veg patch’s gone a bit wild!

I thought I’d share a bit about what worked for me, what didn’t, and answer a few of the common questions people have when they’re just getting started with tomatoes.

Best Place to Grow Tomatoes: Ground vs Pots

I’ve always gone for cherry tomatoes rather than the big beefsteak types. They’re reliable, they crop well, and you get loads of sweet, juicy fruit through the summer.

My veg patch is sectioned off with a few bits of wooden edging — nothing fancy — but it does the job. I’ve found growing tomatoes in the ground beats pots every time, especially here in Manchester where the weather can be all over the place. The ground stays moist longer, which helps a lot during those surprise dry spells we seem to get every summer now.

Before planting, I always dig in a good bit of well-rotted manure and compost. It really makes a difference to the flavour and the yield. The soil here’s heavy and can get waterlogged, so improving it each year helps with drainage and keeps the plants happy.

Tomato Watering Tips for Unpredictable UK Weather

If you garden around here, you’ll know how unpredictable it can be — weeks of rain, followed by a fortnight where you could fry an egg on the patio. Tomatoes actually do alright in that mix as long as you stay on top of watering.

I find a good mulch around the base of each plant helps the soil hold moisture during dry spells and stops rain from splashing soil up onto the leaves (which can cause disease). It’s one of those small habits that really pays off.

How to Stop Slugs Eating Your Tomato Plants

Ah, slugs. They love a tomato plant as much as we do. I had my fair share of run-ins with them, especially early in the season when everything’s soft and green.

What worked best for me was a mix of wool pellets and coffee grounds sprinkled around the plants. The smell of the coffee seems to put them off, and the wool pellets create a dry barrier they hate crossing. I also tried a few beer traps — and while they work brilliantly, I have to admit I felt a bit guilty about it. So now I mostly stick to deterrents rather than death traps!

Best Tomato Feed for Bigger, Juicier Fruit

If you want to get loads of fruit, feeding makes a huge difference. Once the first flowers appear, switch from a general feed to something high in potassium — that’s what helps the plant put its energy into fruit rather than just leaves.

I really like The Relentless Gardener’s Blooms Booster Liquid Feed, which also has liquid seaweed in it. The potassium helps with yield, and the seaweed gives the plants a little boost of trace minerals. I feed every couple of weeks once the fruit’s forming, and the difference is noticeable — you get fuller trusses and sweeter tomatoes.

How to Support and Prune Tomato Plants

Tomatoes can go a bit wild if you let them. I use simple canes for support and tie the plants up with soft twine. As they grow, I pinch out the little side shoots that appear in the leaf joints. It sounds fiddly but it only takes a minute, and it helps the plant focus on producing fruit instead of turning into a jungle.

I also take off the lower leaves once the plants are well established. That keeps air flowing and helps prevent problems like blight or mildew, which can sneak in when the weather’s damp.

Common Tomato Problems and How to Fix Them

Cracked fruit: Usually means uneven watering. Try to water deeply and regularly, especially in hot spells.
Yellowing leaves: Often a sign they’re hungry or over-watered. A balanced feed or backing off the hose usually sorts it.
Blight: It’s rare with cherry types, but if you spot dark spots spreading on leaves or stems, cut it out straight away and bin the affected bits — don’t compost them.

Final Thoughts on Growing Tomatoes in the UK

Tomatoes are one of those crops that reward a bit of care but don’t demand perfection. A bit of compost, a steady watering routine, and a feed that’s rich in potassium will give you great results most years.

I haven’t grown them for a while, but writing this has definitely got me tempted to start again next spring. There’s nothing quite like that first ripe tomato of the season — especially when you’ve grown it yourself.