Author: Amy Riley

As the temperatures drop, tomatoes need a little extra TLC to thrive. Whether you’re growing them indoors or keeping an eye on outdoor plants in milder climates, here are three key tips to keep your tomatoes healthy and productive in December.

1. Protect Tomatoes from the Cold

Tomatoes are sensitive to frost and cold weather, making temperature management crucial during December. If you’re in a colder climate:

• Outdoor Plants: Cover them with frost blankets or cloches on chilly nights. Mulch around the base to insulate roots.
• Indoors: Keep potted plants near a sunny windowsill, but away from cold drafts.

Tip: If you still have green tomatoes on the vine outdoors, pick them before a hard frost hits and let them ripen indoors.

2. Adjust Watering and Feeding

During the cooler months, tomato plants need less water than in summer, as evaporation rates are lower. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

• Watering: Check the soil regularly. Water only when the top inch feels dry.
• Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly, as tomatoes grow more slowly in winter. For fruiting plants, a potassium-rich feed encourages ripening.

Pro Tip: Water in the morning so excess moisture dries off by evening, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

3. Maximise Light and Warmth

Shorter days mean less sunlight, which tomatoes need to produce fruit.

• Indoors: Supplement natural light with grow lights, positioning them 6–12 inches above the plants.
• Outdoors in Mild Climates: Prune unnecessary foliage to ensure sunlight reaches ripening fruit.
• Greenhouses: Maintain a consistent temperature of 15–21°C using heaters or insulation if necessary.

Hack: Place potted tomatoes near reflective surfaces or use aluminium foil to bounce light onto the plants.

Tomatoes in December require a bit more care, but with these tips, you can keep your plants healthy and productive through winter. Whether you’re nurturing ripening fruit or preparing for next season, a little effort goes a long way – Happy Gardening!

As we are approaching December, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to preserve your harvest. With some simple preservation techniques, you can enjoy the taste of fresh, flavourful tomatoes even in the depths of winter. Whether you’re looking to add bursts of summer flavour to soups, sauces, or stews, preserving tomatoes is a wonderful way to savour the harvest year-round. Here’s a guide to storing tomatoes for winter, so you can enjoy their bright taste long after the growing season ends.

1. Canning Tomatoes

Canning is a traditional and popular method for preserving tomatoes that can last you through the winter months. It allows you to store tomatoes in jars for up to a year, maintaining their texture and flavour beautifully. Here’s how to can tomatoes:

Step 1: Start with ripe, firm tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath to loosen the skins, which you can then easily peel off.

Step 2: Once peeled, chop the tomatoes if you’d like them diced, or leave them whole. Add them to sterilised canning jars, leaving about a half-inch of space at the top. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to each jar to ensure proper acidity levels for safe storage.

Step 3: Seal the jars and place them in a water bath for 40-50 minutes. Once processed, let the jars cool. Store them in a cool, dark place, and they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you need them.

Canned tomatoes are ideal for making sauces, stews, and soups throughout the winter. By preserving the tomatoes when they’re at their peak, you’ll get a burst of summer flavour in every meal!

2. Freezing Tomatoes

Freezing is one of the simplest ways to preserve tomatoes, requiring minimal equipment and preparation. Although frozen tomatoes don’t retain their fresh texture, they work well in cooked dishes, where their flavour shines. Here’s a quick method for freezing tomatoes:

Step 1: Wash and dry the tomatoes. You can freeze them whole, chopped, or pureed, depending on how you plan to use them. If you prefer, blanching and peeling the tomatoes first will make them easier to cook with later.

Step 2: Place the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags or airtight containers, squeezing out as much air as possible.

Step 3: Label each bag with the date, so you know how long they’ve been stored. Frozen tomatoes will keep well for up to six months.

Frozen tomatoes are excellent for pasta sauces, chili, and casseroles. Since they break down easily when thawed, you don’t need to worry about texture – just focus on that amazing tomato flavour!

3. Making Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes (or oven-dried tomatoes) are an incredible way to add intense tomato flavour to dishes. Dried tomatoes are versatile, chewy, and packed with a concentrated sweetness that can enhance everything from salads to pasta. Here’s how to make sun-dried tomatoes at home:

Step 1: Slice small or medium tomatoes (like Roma tomatoes) in half, and remove seeds if desired. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Lightly season with salt and any herbs you enjoy, such as rosemary or thyme. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil.

Step 3: Dry the tomatoes in the oven at a low temperature for 6-8 hours, or until they’re dehydrated but still pliable. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator for this process if you have one.

Once dried, you can store the tomatoes in airtight containers or jars. For added flavour and convenience, store them in olive oil, which also adds a delicious tomato-infused oil you can use for cooking. These sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for snacking, tossing into pastas, or topping pizzas.

Whether canned, frozen, or dried, each preservation method brings out a different quality of tomatoes, allowing you to savour their taste in various recipes. So don’t let those last tomatoes of the season go to waste – preserve them, and enjoy the taste of summer all winter long!

The tomato, now a staple in cuisines around the world, has a rich and intriguing history. From its ancient origins to its transformation into a culinary star, the tomato has journeyed across continents, cultures, and centuries. Here are five key points about the history of tomatoes that showcase its incredible story!

1. Origins in the Andes Mountains of South America

Tomatoes are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, specifically in areas now part of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. Wild tomato plants grew in abundance here and were first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 500 BC. These early tomatoes were small and yellow, much like cherry tomatoes, and were a far cry from the large, red varieties we know today. The indigenous peoples of Central and South America valued tomatoes as a staple food, using them in various dishes and sauces.

2. The Journey to Europe with Spanish Explorers

It wasn’t until the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the early 16th century that tomatoes were introduced to Europe. Spanish explorers, who had encountered the tomato in what is now Mexico, brought it back to Europe around 1521. Known as “tomatl” in the Aztec language, the fruit was soon cultivated in Spain and other parts of Europe. However, it wasn’t immediately embraced as food; many Europeans initially regarded the tomato as an ornamental plant due to its bright, striking appearance.

3. The “Poisonous” Reputation of Tomatoes in Europe

Upon its introduction to Europe, the tomato quickly earned a controversial reputation. Because it belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes some toxic plants, many Europeans believed tomatoes to be poisonous. This belief was further fuelled by the fact that tomatoes were often served on pewter plates, which could leach lead when combined with the tomato’s acidity, leading to lead poisoning. For centuries, tomatoes were viewed with suspicion in Europe, especially among the upper classes, and were more commonly grown as decorative plants than as food.

4. Embrace by Italy and the Birth of Tomato-Based Cuisine

In the 18th century, tomatoes began to gain popularity in Italy, where they were gradually incorporated into cooking. Italians were among the first Europeans to appreciate the culinary potential of tomatoes, experimenting with the fruit in sauces, soups, and eventually in pasta dishes. By the late 1700s, the tomato had become a central ingredient in Italian cuisine, forever changing the food culture of the country. Italian immigrants later brought tomato-based recipes to the United States, including iconic dishes like pizza and pasta with marinara sauce, helping to popularize tomatoes worldwide.

5. Global Cultivation and the Tomato’s Rise as a Culinary Icon

Today, the tomato is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, with more than 180 million tons produced annually. From North and South America to Europe, Asia, and beyond, tomatoes are a beloved staple in countless cuisines. They’re celebrated not only for their versatility in dishes but also for their health benefits, including their rich content of antioxidants like lycopene. The tomato’s journey from a small wild fruit in the Andes to a global culinary icon showcases its adaptability and enduring appeal.

The tomato’s story reminds us of the power of food to connect cultures and transform traditions, and it continues to inspire chefs and food lovers around the globe.

Just because the temperatures have dropped doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to fresh, home-grown tomatoes! Growing tomatoes indoors during the winter is not only possible but also rewarding. With a few easy-to-follow steps, you can bring the vibrant taste of summer into your kitchen all year round. Here’s a guide to help you successfully cultivate fresh tomatoes indoors throughout the colder months.

1. Choose the Right Tomato Varieties

Not all tomato varieties are ideal for indoor growing, especially during the winter. Compact or dwarf varieties are typically the best choice because they require less space and grow well in containers. Here are some popular tomato varieties that thrive indoors:

• Tiny Tim: This is a small cherry tomato variety that grows well in containers and produces delicious, bite-sized tomatoes.
• Yellow Canary: Known for its small size, this variety has a mild flavour and grows well in pots, making it perfect for indoor cultivation.
• Red Robin: Another compact cherry tomato variety that is well-suited to indoor conditions, Red Robin tomatoes are small but full of flavour.

These smaller varieties don’t require as much sunlight or space as larger plants, which makes them easier to manage indoors.

2. Set Up the Ideal Indoor Growing Environment

To grow tomatoes indoors during winter, you’ll need to replicate the conditions they would typically have outdoors. Here’s what to focus on:

• Light: Tomatoes need a lot of light to thrive—about 10-12 hours a day. Since natural sunlight is limited in winter, consider using grow lights. LED grow lights or fluorescent lights can provide the necessary light spectrum for healthy growth. Place your lights about 6-12 inches above the plants, adjusting as they grow taller.
• Temperature: Tomatoes love warmth, so keep them away from cold drafts, as sudden temperature drops can stress the plants. A sunny windowsill or a warm room with controlled temperature works well.
• Humidity: Indoor heating can dry out the air, which isn’t ideal for tomatoes. They prefer a humidity level of around 60-70%. You can increase humidity by placing a shallow tray of water near the plants or misting them occasionally. Just be cautious not to overwater, as tomatoes can be sensitive to soggy soil.

3. Care and Maintenance Tips for Indoor Tomato Plants

Once your tomatoes are growing, regular maintenance will ensure a healthy harvest. Here are some tips to help your plants thrive:

• Watering: Water your tomato plants consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Indoor tomatoes tend to need less water than outdoor plants since evaporation rates are lower indoors.
• Fertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) every 2-3 weeks. Since they’re growing indoors, tomatoes won’t have access to as many natural nutrients from the soil, so a regular feeding schedule is essential. Once the plants begin flowering, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer to support fruit production.
• Pollination: Unlike outdoor plants that rely on bees and wind for pollination, indoor tomatoes need a little help. Gently shake the stems when flowers appear to mimic natural pollination. Alternatively, you can use a small paintbrush or cotton bud to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

So, don’t let the cold season stop you from enjoying fresh, delicious tomatoes. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a bountiful indoor harvest. Happy growing!

Tomatoes are a beloved staple in British cuisine, and with a plethora of varieties available, it’s no wonder that gardeners across the UK are eager to grow them. Each tomato variety brings its own unique flavour, texture, and uses, making them perfect for everything from fresh salads to hearty sauces. Here are three distinct UK tomato varieties that are worth exploring.

1. Gardener’s Delight

Gardener’s Delight is a classic cherry tomato variety that has become a favourite among home gardeners and chefs alike.

• Description: These small, sweet tomatoes are typically about 2.5 cm in diameter, with a bright red colour when fully ripe. They are known for their juicy, tangy flavour, making them perfect for snacking and salads.
• Growing Conditions: Gardener’s Delight is an indeterminate variety, which means it continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. This variety is also quite resistant to diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.
• Uses: These tomatoes are perfect for fresh eating, adding a burst of sweetness to salads, or roasting for a concentrated flavour. They can also be used in sauces or as a colourful garnish.

2. Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig is a traditional British variety that has been loved for generations, celebrated for its robust flavour and versatility.

• Description: Ailsa Craig tomatoes are medium-sized, typically weighing around 100-150 grams. They have a smooth, glossy skin and are known for their rich, sweet flavour and meaty texture. The vibrant red colour adds visual appeal to any dish.
• Growing Conditions: This determinate variety is well-suited to the UK climate, as it ripens relatively early in the season. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Ailsa Craig is also more resistant to splitting, making it ideal for gardeners who want to avoid waste.
• Uses: These tomatoes are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and sauces. Their firm texture makes them suitable for slicing, while their flavour enhances a variety of dishes, from classic pasta sauces to hearty casseroles.

3. Tumbling Tom

Tumbling Tom is a delightful trailing variety that is perfect for hanging baskets and containers, making it an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space.

• Description: These small, round tomatoes grow in clusters and have a sweet, juicy flavour. They come in various colours, including red and yellow, and can weigh around 30 grams each. Tumbling Tom plants have a cascading growth habit, making them visually appealing in any garden.
• Growing Conditions: This variety thrives in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes, making it ideal for urban gardening. They prefer a sunny spot and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
• Uses: Tumbling Tom tomatoes are perfect for snacking right off the vine. They can also be used in salads, pasta dishes, or as a colourful addition to any plate. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, cheese, and other seasonal ingredients.

The UK boasts a diverse range of tomato varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Experimenting with different varieties not only adds flavour to your meals but also enhances your gardening experience. Happy gardening!