It’s simply an indescribable feeling! This “regret” is actually the best form of gardening satisfaction. As they say, you learn with time, but tomatoes are incredibly grateful for it – if you give them the right nutrient cocktail from the start, they’ll repay you handsomely.

I assume you’ve added either a good portion of compost, eggshells (for the much-needed calcium to prevent blackening of the tips), or perhaps even nettles or fish heads (an old trick for phosphorus and nitrogen).

Why is it going so well this year?

Strong root system: The right supply of nutrients in the planting hole from the beginning encourages the plant to develop strong roots. The more roots, the juicier the fruit. Consistent energy supply: Tomatoes are “hungry” plants. When nutrients are readily available, the plants don’t waste energy searching for them and can concentrate fully on production. Resilience: A well-nourished plant can better withstand weather fluctuations and pest infestations.

Tip for next year: If you’re thrilled with your harvest this year, add a pinch of mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole next year. These fungi connect with the roots, extending their reach. This allows the tomatoes to access water and nutrients in areas they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.

Now, only one crucial question remains: What happens to the harvest? Do your many kilos of tomatoes go straight into the freezer to dry, or do you give them away to your neighbors because you can’t eat them all yourself?