When to plant or sow Tomato?

Tomatoes need full sun and warmth to crop well, so choose the sunniest, most sheltered spot you have—ideally a south-facing wall or greenhouse. They thrive in loam soil enriched with plenty of well-rotted compost or manure dug in a few weeks before planting. Good drainage is essential, but the soil must also retain moisture during the growing season. In temperate Europe, sow seed indoors from March onwards at 18–21°C, or buy young plants in late spring. Plant out only after all risk of frost has passed—typically from mid-May in milder areas, early June in colder zones. Harden off plants for a week before transplanting. Space plants 50 cm apart in the ground or in large containers (at least 30 cm diameter) filled with multipurpose or tomato compost. Plant deeply, burying the stem up to the first true leaves; tomatoes will root along the buried stem, creating a stronger plant. For cordon (indeterminate) varieties, insert a sturdy 1.8 m cane or stake at planting time, positioning it a few centimetres from the stem to avoid root damage. Bush (determinate) types need less support but benefit from a short cane or cage to keep fruit off the soil. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle roots, then keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the stem itself. In greenhouses, ensure good ventilation to prevent humidity building up around young plants.