If your tomatoes remain an unappetising green this summer, don't worry – this straightforward expert trick will help them transform into a delicious red. With the sun continuing to blaze and Britain experiencing yet another heatwave, many of us are attempting our hand at gardening, reports MirrorOnline.

There are few superior plants to begin cultivating than tomatoes. Not only are they comparatively simple to nurture, they create a versatile and tasty ingredient for your dishes. Nevertheless, gardeners might still encounter difficulties when cultivating these fruits if they aren't adequately cared for.

If you observe your tomatoes appearing somewhat lacklustre, there is one straightforward task you might be overlooking. David Glass, head gardener at Bowood House and Gardens told Ideal Homes that a basic pruning technique known as "pinching out" may assist with ripening your tomatoes.

Pinching out is a pruning approach that encourages flowering and fruiting plants to direct their energy into existing trusses (which are stems that produce cluster flowers). It also enhances air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.

Especially if you're cultivating a cordon variety of tomato – which develop fruit along one leading stem – not pinching it out could be a reason why they aren't transforming into a delicious bright red.

David Glass advised: "After a tomato plant has produced five trusses of fruit, I recommend you stop the plant from growing further by removing the growing tip of the main stem."

He clarified that this is because it prompts the plant to utilise its energy to mature the existing fruit instead of persisting in growing new trusses.

He also suggested trimming some of the lower leaves off the stem. This way, you permit more light in and enhance the air flow around the plant.

Other advice for aiding your tomato plants to thrive is to ensure you keep them cool during heatwaves. While they relish the sunshine, excessively high temperatures can stress them out.

A simple method to keep them safe when it starts to swelter is to relocate them to a shadier spot in the garden. If they're in a greenhouse, David recommends painting the glass so it deflects light away.

Another useful tip is to be cautious about how much you're watering your tomato plants. Overwatering can lead to issues like wilting stems, soggy leaves and even blossom end rot, which can make parts of your tomato unfit to eat.

Similarly, you can also keep tomatoes replenished with nutrients by feeding them a fertiliser. You can either purchase tomato fertiliser in a homeware shop or create it yourself at home.