BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast The easy way to grow great tomatoes, with expert Holly Farrell
Mar 26, 2026
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Stake At Planting And Tie As The Stem Grows
- Put stakes in when planting out and tie cordon tomatoes as they grow to prevent collapse.
- Holly recommends strong bamboo or hazel stakes and tying stems, plus removing side shoots to focus energy on fruit ripening.
Reduce Watering Late Season For Sweeter Fruit
- Tail off watering as fruits begin to ripen to concentrate sugars and boost flavour.
- Holly advises even watering through the season to prevent splitting, then gradually reduce water in late August/September for sweeter fruit.
Stop Apical Growth To Force Ripening Of Trusses
- Stop the main growing tip when plant reaches final height so energy moves to ripening existing trusses.
- Holly says pinch or cut the top when it reaches the cane to force ripening rather than producing new, unripe trusses.