Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are the most popular home-grown vegetable, but in Central Europe they need a warm start. Sow indoors in March on a bright windowsill at 20–25 °C, prick out into pots and grow on in plenty of light. Plant out after the Ice Saints in mid-May, slightly deeper than they grew in the pot, 50–60 cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot with humus-rich, fertile soil. Tall cordon varieties need a stake or string and regular removal of the side shoots that form in the leaf axils; bush and cherry varieties can be left to branch. Water deeply at the base, ideally in the morning, and keep the leaves dry – wet foliage spreads late blight, the most serious tomato disease, which is why a simple rain cover greatly improves results. Irregular watering causes blossom-end rot and split fruit. Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser once the first fruits set. Do not plant tomatoes after or next to potatoes, which share the same diseases.