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Spring presents the ideal opportunity to begin sowing tomato seeds. Prized for their adaptability, an extensive selection oftomato varieties can be cultivated at home with ease, ranging from traditional red Rosellas through to Brandy Boy beefsteak types.

The primary consideration before selecting which seeds to plant is the amount of available garden space. Tomato plants develop in two distinct forms: cordon and bush. Cordon varieties are rapid-growing specimens that can swiftly reach heights of two metres, necessitating adequate space and frequently additional support from wooden canes to maintain their upright position.

Bush varieties prove more appropriate for confined areas and demand less upkeep than their Cordon counterparts, beyond consistent watering and feeding. Due to their modest proportions, they can even thrive in hanging baskets.

However, when positioning tomatoes outdoors, one horticulture expert has revealed a simple method to enhance their taste. Through a video shared on Instagram, Jamie Walton (@nettlesandpettles) demonstrated how cultivating tomatoes alongside a companion plant can boost their development.

Companion planting essentially involves positioning plants within the same bed to establish a more robust and fruitful ecosystem. Regarding tomatoes specifically, Jamie advises gardeners to cultivate one particular herb to safeguard their crops.

Frequently combined together in dishes, basil is also a perfect companion plant for tomatoes. In the video, Jamie said: "Basil's strong scent can also help deter some common pests and it's said that if you plant basil near tomatoes it can actually improve their flavour."

Basil draws bees, butterflies and other advantageous insects to the garden that can enhance growing conditions. They also naturally deter whiteflies and tomato hornworms, two varieties of pests that can devastate tomato plants.

Similar to tomatoes, basil needs gentler conditions to thrive. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends sowing the herb in spring so it's prepared to harvest by the summer months, suggesting to position it in a protected and warm sunny location in the soil, or in pots.

Utilised by many to add a peppery punch to meals, it's ideally matched with tomatoes all the way from the garden to the dinner table.