June marks a crucial stage in the tomato-growing calendar across the UK. Whether you’re nurturing your plants in a greenhouse, on a balcony, or in a back garden, this is the month when tomatoes begin to take off — and with the right care, you’ll set the foundation for a bountiful summer harvest. Here’s how to keep your tomato plants healthy and productive throughout June:
- Sunshine and Shelter: Position is Key
Tomatoes love the sun — aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight a day. In the UK, especially in variable June weather, make sure your plants are positioned in a warm, sheltered spot, protected from strong winds. If you’re growing outside, staking or caging your plants early will help them stay upright and reduce disease risk as they grow taller.
- Watering Wisely
Tomatoes need consistent moisture, but overwatering or underwatering can lead to problems like split fruit or blossom end rot. In June, the temperature rises and plants grow rapidly, so aim to:
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy
- Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases
Mulching with straw or compost can also help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch, Prune, and Feed
By now, your tomato plants will be actively producing flowers and side shoots. To focus the plant’s energy:
- Pinch outside shoots on cordon (indeterminate) varieties — these are the small shoots that appear between the main stem and leaf branches.
- Support the main stem with a cane or string to prevent bending or snapping.
- Start feeding with a high-potassium tomato fertiliser once the first truss (cluster of flowers) has set fruit. Feed every 7–10 days for the best results.
With the right care in June, your tomato plants will be well on their way to producing delicious, sun-ripened fruit by July and August. Regular attention, a little pruning, and some timely feeding now will reward you with a flavour-packed summer harvest.
