Tomato plant

[happyjo]

Hi all

I acquired a tomato plant yesterday and have no idea how to look after it. It is around 8-9 inches tall and in a large plant pot.

I have placed the plant in a sunny spot on my kitchen window sill and have watered it ....

How can I make the most of this plant and maybe yield some fruit???

Thanks in advance

Joxx

[tamborine]

Needs lots of water & can grow to 20ft. Fix string at high point, ie fence to reach down to plant & secure at root. Twist plant around string, to climb & support. Pinch out all side shoots.

If it yellows add feed to water.

[grandpajoe]

You will not get any fruit from the plant on a window sill.
You can harden it off now and grow it out doors or put it in the conservatory or similar situation, indoors. It Will need at least a bucket full of compost to grow successfully!!
At the junction of the main stem and a leaf will grow a side shoot and these when about 2 inch long, should be removed. After about 4 leaves and between the leaves (inter node), will grow a truss. This is the fruiting part of the plant. Once the truss has formed it will bear flowers. Spray these , lightly with water. Remove ALL leaves below the truss. Continue winding the plant around the string and stop the plant after 5/6 trusses have formed. Stopping involves cutting the stem above the leaf above the top truss.
You are looking to have a single stem with NO side shoots just leaves and trusses. Any superfluous growth weakens the plant and means small fruit.
Feed once per week with "Tomarite".
If you haven't grown Tom's before you will be surprised how easy they are to grow.
Remember, no leaves below the trusses.
There is a need to pollinate the flowers and fine spray will help or use a fine brush or rabbits tail.
If outdoors fly and bees will do this.
Good luck.
Chris

[john1066]

I grow Beefsteak tomatoes and train them up bamboo canes.. They need plenty of ' leg room so plant yours in a large pot (about 9 "), and don't feed until the embryo tomatoes are pea sized and water your plant every day and nip out the side shoots as they appear leaving just the top one the one that will grow up the support and as the plant grows tie it to the support..Jay

[abbie1977]

Hi Jo,

I have always grown tomatoes on my windowsill, in a pot and in a sunny, dry area. Once they start flowering you will soon get the fruit. Enjoy it! xx

[carlton23]

You can grow the small cherry tomato on a sunny sill, and I`ve never heard of a 20ft tom in my life. Use a 10" pot if growing larger varieties, or a grow-bag if growing two or three in a greenhouse or a sunny patio. Feed with a high potash feed. Fix a long bamboo cane for support, but allow 2 inches away from main stem and tie in with a figure of eight loop with raffia or garden string. HTH`s