Improving the taste and yield of home-grown tomatoes: Key tips and tricks

Tomatoes not only offer incredible flavor, but they also supply essential nutrients. Rich in vitamins C, K, and PP, these vibrant fruits further provide biotin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, fluoride, sodium, and calcium. Valued for their antioxidant content, tomatoes can protect our bodies against tumours, among other things. Many enthusiasts believe that nothing beats the taste of homegrown tomatoes. Here, we share tips on nurturing tomatoes to enhance their sweetness and overall appeal.

Tomatoes can be grown in three environments: outdoors in the ground, potted indoors, or in a greenhouse. An increasing number of individuals even cultivate tomatoes on their balconies. Such an approach can lead to success if executed properly and with adherence to key rules. First off, tomatoes require a substantial amount of sunlight. When directly sowing tomato seeds, wait until the latter half of May to ensure stable temperatures.

The next rule pertains to co-planting; planting other vegetables near tomatoes. Whether you're growing tomatoes on a balcony, in a greenhouse, or in a garden, consider planting onions and garlic nearby. These vegetables deter spider mites and aphids, pests that can potentially ruin a substantial part of your harvest. In addition to onions and garlic, tomatoes benefit from proximity to spinach, sorrel, mint, basil, and oregano. Mint, in particular, enhances the taste of tomatoes, making the fruits sweeter, so keep this in mind when planting.

The final rule revolves around the type of plants that should not grow beside tomatoes. These may degrade their taste and yield size and prolong the ripening process. Plants to avoid near tomatoes include broad beans, peas, cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, and cabbage. Cabbage, in particular, can significantly delay the tomato ripening process.