Is it possible to grow 2 batches of tomatoes in one year?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Peggy640, Aug 21, 2023.

  1. Peggy640

    Peggy640 Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2023
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Female
    Ratings:
    +7
    I was wondering if anyone has experimented with this?

    I am looking to grow only determinate tomatoes next year (larger slicing type not baby toms) My last frost date is 21st March so I'm looking to plant them out on 1st April.

    And I am hoping to harvest them 1st/2nd week of July all at once. Then I am looking to plant a second batch in mid Jul (sown late May) and looking to harvest oct/nov (hoping they all ripe?)

    My first frost is 21st Dec.

    Is this possible? Has anyone tried this mehod?
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • Alisa

      Alisa Super Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 21, 2014
      Messages:
      604
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      Portsmouth, Hampshire
      Ratings:
      +1,801
      Growing outside? Nope, it won't work, plants are warmth loving, won't grow at all if temperature drops below +10C.
       
      • Agree Agree x 4
      • Like Like x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        51,076
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +93,858
        I think that unless you live in a really warm place going by frost dates is not the main criteria.

        I planted mine out at the end of May this year and were still held back by cold nights, anything below 10c overnight is going have more of a bearing on when you can plant out rather than just frost.

        Likewise at the other end of the season ripening becomes very slow as the light levels drop in late September.

        The only bush types I have tried that tend to just fruit all at once is "Red alert".
         
        • Informative Informative x 2
        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

          Joined:
          Jun 3, 2008
          Messages:
          32,399
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Surrey
          Ratings:
          +49,826
          Not something I've tried as I only grow indeterminate varieties which crop continously.

          Is there a reason why you want to get all your tomatoes at once?
           
          • Like Like x 2
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

            Joined:
            Jun 3, 2008
            Messages:
            32,399
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Surrey
            Ratings:
            +49,826
            I do agree with pete and Alisa about it being very weather dependent. It's very rare I get a decent amout ripening in October/November and that's with a greenhouse.

            Getting a first crop in July is not guaranteed either, this year the last of my varieties to ripen was in August in a greenhouse.
             
            • Like Like x 2
            • Agree Agree x 1
            • Balc

              Balc Total Gardener

              Joined:
              Mar 6, 2022
              Messages:
              2,440
              Gender:
              Male
              Occupation:
              Retired
              Location:
              Huntingdon, Cambs
              Ratings:
              +9,688
              @Peggy640 if you live in the UK it's going to be practically impossible, especially outside, even with a heated greenhouse it would be difficult! The light levels are also too low in October to get toms to ripen.

              It might be possible, theoretically, to get a very early variety to fruit twice in a year, from 2 different sowings, but they will probably be small toms.
               
              • Agree Agree x 1
              • NigelJ

                NigelJ Total Gardener

                Joined:
                Jan 31, 2012
                Messages:
                6,771
                Gender:
                Male
                Occupation:
                Mad Scientist
                Location:
                Paignton Devon
                Ratings:
                +23,009
                • Like Like x 1
                • infradig

                  infradig Total Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Apr 28, 2022
                  Messages:
                  1,062
                  Gender:
                  Male
                  Occupation:
                  Freelance self preservationist
                  Location:
                  Solent
                  Ratings:
                  +1,253
                  @Peggy640
                  It would be useful in answering your question if you were to disclose your approximate location.
                  It is not necessary to publish your address , but a general locality, such as Isles of Scilly or South Hams, or perhaps Papua NG .
                   
                  • Like Like x 1
                  • Funny Funny x 1
                  • Peggy640

                    Peggy640 Apprentice Gardener

                    Joined:
                    Jul 31, 2023
                    Messages:
                    10
                    Gender:
                    Female
                    Ratings:
                    +7
                    I don't eat my bigger tomatoes fresh, I freeze them for year round use. I eat baby toms fresh.

                    I am based in East London.
                     
                  Loading...

                  Share This Page

                  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                    Dismiss Notice