Tomato Marmande

WHEN TO SOW January to April

WHERE TO SOW Sow seeds underglass 0.5cm (1/4 in) deep in pots or trays of good seed sowing compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Place containers in a propagator at a temperature of 18–21C .

WHAT TO DO NEXT Prick out seedlings, once large enough to handle, into 9cm (3 1/2in) pots. Transplant to the greenhouse border soil, or individual large pots, or 3 plants per growbag when 20cm (8in) high. Can also be planted outdoors once all risk of frost has past. Plants require sideshooting and support for the best yields. Water and feed plants regularly with a high potash feed once the first truss has set.

MATURITY July to October

HANDY TIP Very suitable for salads but ideal for cooking and frying. Can be frozen for later use in cooking.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE High in vitamin C and lycopene.

TYPE Semi-determinate - Similar to determinate but taller. You do not have to remove side shoots, however it is advisable to do so to get the best yield. There can hardly be a glasshouse in the country that does not have a few tomato plants growing in it, as nothing tastes quite like a tomato freshly picked from your own garden. Even if you have a window box you can produce your own tomatoes. But, they are not without their problems; tomato plants are very delicate and can easily succumb to disease, they need a fair amount of attention and just a whiff of hormone spray from a neighbouring garden or field can result in deformed fruits and plants - but they are still always worth the effort! Tomatoes are so versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be sliced to go into a sandwich or salad, chopped to be used in many Italian sauces such as a delicious bolognese or if they are a bigger variety, they can be stuffed and baked.