Tomatoes are a staple in garden plots, as they can be straightforward to care for and highly productive. Whether growing from seed or a young plant, they can produce a large supply of tomatoes to enjoy.

While they are often regarded as a great beginner plant, gardeners must provide particular attention to tomatoes. Monty Don has revealed his own specialist tips to ensure tomatoes flourish. He advises doing a straightforward check of tomato plants in the mornings throughout May.

The gardening expert says now is the moment to plant tomatoes outdoors, if you have not already done so.

Monty buries tomatoes deeply, right up to the lowest leaf as the buried stem will develop additional roots. As the tomato plants develop, they will produce extra shoots, which can grow tomatoes but takes energy from the plant.

He said: "As the young plants grow they form shoots between the leaves and the stem and these are known as side-shoots.

"They grow with extra vigour and although they do bear trusses of fruit, they take energy from the plant and reduce the overall harvest as well as making a cordon plant straggly. So they should be removed as they appear."

Monty says gardeners must check their tomato plants in the morning to snap off the side shoots as soon as they appear.

"The best way to do this is in the morning when the plant is turgid, simply breaking them off with finger and thumb," Monty said on his blog.

"However in the evening they will be limper and may tear the plant so should be cut off with a knife."

The RHS has also provided guidance on caring for tomato plants, advising that they be watered on a regular basis, with the soil kept consistently moist.

The RHS said: "Fluctuating moisture levels can cause problems with the fruit, such as splitting or blossom end rot. Curling leaves can be a sign that a tomato plant is short of water."

Plants in containers dry out quickly, so may need watering daily in hot weather. To encourage greater results, container-grown tomatoes should be fed every 10 to 14 days with an organic high potassium liquid fertiliser once the first fruits begin to swell.

For tomatoes planted in the ground, apply a mulch around the base to help lock in moisture and stop weeds. Do this by spreading a generous layer of garden compost or well-rotted manure around the plants.