Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Pots and Containers

The idea of growing tomatoes is not limited to gardens or large plots. Tomatoes can be grown easily in pots and containers as a part of container gardening. Hence, even if you live in the heart of a city and don't own a large plot, you can still enjoy garden-fresh, juicy tomatoes. The major factor is that you should have a sunny patio or balcony, so as to expose the tomato plants to maximum sunlight. A little effort is required while purchasing the pot or container, selecting the tomato variety and aftercare of the tomato plants. Let's discuss in brief about tips of growing tomatoes in pots and containers.

Selecting Correct Size Container

Tomatoes are dicots (having two cotyledons) and have deep root system. So, while selecting pots or containers for tomato plantation, make sure to opt for the deep (five gallons or more) plastic or fiberglass pots. This will provide sufficient space for development of roots, making it easy to maintain a healthy root system. After all, a well-established root system is always essential for the healthy growth of a plant. Other than flowering pots, you can make use of any large containers like buckets, cooking pots and other unused cookwares. Only thing to keep in mind is to create a bottom hole on the pot for proper drainage.

Choosing Tomato Variety

This is the most crucial step for growing tomatoes in pots or containers. In general, tomato plants are large and spreads out to a great extent. You might be aware of using stakes and supports while growing them in gardens or greenhouses. For planting them in pots and containers, it is always advisable to opt for the dwarf and bushy variety of tomatoes. With such a variety, the plants are easy to maintain to a manageable size. If options are available, choose disease-resistant and indeterminate tomato seedlings. Indeterminate variety produces fruit steadily, whereas determinate variety bears maximum fruits at the same time.

Preparing Potting Soil

Tomatoes can grow well in any good quality organic soil. You can purchase ready made soils or prepare on your own by adding peat moss and farmyard compost. If you are preparing potting mixture, then supplement with plant nutrients, as plants are directly dependent on the potting soil. Garden-dug soils are usually not preferable as they are very heavy for container gardening. Make sure to add healthy soil mixture, otherwise there can be chances of soil-borne fungi and other pathogens in the potting soil, which may lead to development of diseases.

Planting Tomatoes

When it comes to planting tomatoes, add potting mixture in the pot or container to about one-fourth of the container depth. Place the plant in the center of the container and add soil till it reaches the height of the stem, where the lowest leaf is developed. This way, you are allowing further development of roots from the stem for a healthy root system. Make sure you fill soil, at least a few inches below the rim of the container, so as to leave space for watering. While planting, lightly press or firm the top soil around the tomato seedling.

Caring Tips of Tomato Plants

Light and water are most important factors for growing tomatoes in pots and containers. A healthy plant requires about five hours of daily light. You can place the potted tomato plants in any area, either balcony or windowsill, where the plants will get maximum sunlight. If possible, select a location which is less windy, as high-velocity wind may result in quick drying of the soil. Once the potted tomato plants are placed in a proper location, water the plants thoroughly. Make sure to water the plants regularly and supplement the soil with organic fertilizers. For water retention and weed control, you can consider mulching with straw or bark mulch. Provide the tomato plants with supports like stakes or cages, when the first fruits appear.

These are some of the effective tips for growing tomatoes in pots and containers. Depending upon the tomato variety and the growing conditions, the plant will start bearing fruits within 6 - 8 weeks. One major advantage of these nutritious fruits is that there are less problems in growing tomatoes. Majority of the tomato plant diseases are caused due to soil-borne fungi. Hence, as long as the potting soil is disease-free, there are very less chances of diseases in tomato plants. In case of disease occurrence, you can use mild fungicides and discard the diseased parts as far as possible.