How to Grow Tomatoes Outdoors (UK Guide)
Growing tomatoes outdoors in the UK is entirely possible and can produce fantastic flavour. However, outdoor growing requires careful variety choice and attention to weather conditions.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
🌱 Compost & Soil Improvers
Give your garden beds a boost before winter with compost and organic matter.
Shop Compost & Soil Improvers
🌿 Autumn Plant Feed & Fertiliser
Prepare your soil for autumn planting with suitable fertilisers and soil nutrients.
Browse Garden Fertilisers
🥬 Seed Trays & Propagation Kits
Keep growing through autumn by starting suitable hardy crops under cover.
Shop Seed Trays
This guide explains how to grow tomatoes outdoors successfully in the UK climate.
For the full tomato hub, see TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE).
Are Outdoor Tomatoes Worth Growing in the UK?
Yes — but with planning.
Outdoor tomatoes:
- Often have excellent flavour
- Require less equipment
- Are ideal for smaller gardens
However, they are more exposed to:
- Rain
- Cool nights
- Blight risk
Best Varieties for Outdoor Growing
Choose:
- Early cropping varieties
- Bush (determinate) types
- Blight-resistant varieties
- Smaller fruiting tomatoes
Cherry and salad tomatoes perform best outdoors.
See BEST TOMATOES FOR OUTDOOR GROWING UK for recommended varieties.
When to Plant Tomatoes Outdoors
Only plant outdoors:
- After the last frost (usually mid to late May)
- When night temperatures remain above 8°C
Planting too early risks stunted growth.
Choosing the Right Location
Outdoor tomatoes need:
- Full sun (at least 6–8 hours)
- Shelter from strong wind
- Free-draining soil
- A warm microclimate
South-facing walls are ideal.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting:
- Add well-rotted compost
- Improve drainage
- Avoid waterlogged areas
Tomatoes thrive in rich, fertile soil.
Supporting Outdoor Tomatoes
Bush varieties may need:
- Light staking
- Small cages
Cordon varieties need:
- Canes
- Strong ties
- Regular tying in
Wind protection is essential.
Watering Outdoor Tomatoes
Water:
- At the base
- Deeply but not frequently
- More during dry spells
Avoid overhead watering — wet leaves increase blight risk.
Feeding Outdoor Tomatoes
Start feeding once flowers appear.
- Use tomato feed weekly
- Continue until fruiting slows
Outdoor plants benefit from consistent feeding.
Preventing Blight Outdoors
Blight is the biggest challenge for UK outdoor tomatoes.
Reduce risk by:
- Improving airflow
- Removing lower leaves
- Avoiding leaf wetting
- Growing resistant varieties
If blight appears, remove affected foliage immediately.
See TOMATO BLIGHT UK GUIDE for detailed prevention.
Managing Wet Summers
In wet weather:
- Consider temporary rain covers
- Increase spacing between plants
- Improve airflow
Wet leaves and humidity encourage disease.
Harvesting Outdoor Tomatoes
Outdoor tomatoes usually ripen:
- July to September
- Earlier in southern UK
- Later in northern regions
Harvest regularly to encourage further fruiting.
Final Thoughts: Outdoor Tomato Growing in the UK
Outdoor tomatoes require:
- Careful variety choice
- Proper timing
- Vigilance against blight
- Consistent feeding
While greenhouse growing is more reliable, outdoor tomatoes can produce excellent flavour when managed properly.
Return to TOMATOES: HOW TO GROW, BEST VARIETIES, PROBLEMS & EXPERT TIPS (UK GUIDE) for complete tomato guidance.