Introduction
Are you thinking about growing tomatoes in a pot? Well, you won’t be the first one to do it. In fact, people have been growing their tomatoes in pots and containers for a long time. It is ideal if you want fresh tomatoes for daily use but don’t have a big garden for plantation. I have been growing tomatoes in pots for many years now. It has allowed me to enjoy tomatoes with limited space. I have grown tomatoes in window boxes, planters, hanging baskets, and many other types of containers.
If you are also planning to plant tomatoes in pots, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will learn everything about growing your tomato plants in pots and containers.
Growing Tomatoes in Pots and Containers
As mentioned above, planting and growing your favorite fruit in ports is easy. Who can resist these juicy and sweet orbs ripening in summer and filling the air with their sweet and tangy scent? Growing your tomatoes in containers really levels the playing field when it comes to home gardening. You can easily plant and harvest these beauties even if you have a limited or no garden space at all. The key to planting tomatoes in containers and pots is to start with proper planning. Here are some tips that can come in handy when you are planting your tomato in containers.
Use the Right-Sized Containers
The first thing when planting tomato is to choose right-sized containers. When choosing a container, follow the rule of the bigger the better. For planting a single plant, you need a container or pot that is at least 1 square foot in size. If you can find a 2 square feet container, then it is even better (https://www.finegardening.com/article/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-containers#:~:text=Fill%20the%20pots%20with%20soil,the%20tomato%20containers%20are%20filled.&text=of%20potting%20soil%20and%20set,until%20the%20pot%20is%20filled.). A five-gallon bucket is also ideal to grow one plant. It is also important to fill the pot with a premium-quality potting mix. The successful growth of these plants is highly dependent on how high quality a potting mix you use for planting.
It is also important that the container you are using has good drainage as tomato plants require a well-drained soil for its optimal growth. Make sure you only use the container for planting tomato and nothing else. Growing something else in the same container will deprive your tomato plant of the right amount of water and nutrients which will impact its growth.
Plant Deeply
Most of the regular plants are planted as deep as their original containers. However, when it comes to tomatoes, the deeper the better. When you are planting tomato seedlings, make sure that you remove some of the bottom leaves and dig a deep hole so that the majority of the plant is buried into the planting hole. This will result in a deep and strong root system that will cultivate sturdier plants.
Water Soil Consistently
It is important to maintain the right amount of moisture in the pot for your tomato plants to thrive. The potting soil moisture is one of the biggest concerns and challenges that you will face when growing them in a pot. If your potting soil is fast-draining, make sure that you add a water-retaining additive to it. You can also use a self-watering container. Check the potting soil for moisture every other day to ensure that there is ample moisture for the optimal growth of your fruit.
Too little water and moisture will weaken and wilt the plants and result in fruits with blossom end rot (https://www.gardenbetty.com/how-to-grow-tomatoes-in-pots-like-a-gardening-pro/). The fruit may also split or crack. Therefore, ensure that you are watering the plants well. If it is too hot, you may water the plants twice a day. However, don’t overdo watering the plants as it can rot the roots. The soil of your plant should be moist, not soggy after watering.
Feed the Plants
It is important to feed your plants well when you are growing them in pots. Tomatoes are heavy feeders. When planted in pots, they require even more feed. Consider adding a feed to potting soil every two weeks. The primary nutrients tomatoes require to grow well include potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUYkhJ2u5Rg). Choose a fertilizer that contains these elements to boost up the growth of your plants. Some of the potting soils contain fertilizers. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions mentioned in the soil bag before you add anything else to it. If there are no fertilizers added to the potting soil, then choose an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer to grow your plants well.
Keep Them in the Sun
Tomatoes require full sun to thrive. Thus, when you are planting them in pots, make sure that they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I78Cz9toWcw). When finding a place to place your containers, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun. If the containers are not getting enough sunlight, move them around until you have found the right place that receives ample sunlight. Your plants will thrive in pots and containers in the growing season the same way as they thrive when planted in the garden.
Add Support Structures
Just like you would do when growing tomato in the garden, you also need to add support structures to your plants when growing them in containers (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-pots-containers.htm). You can use cones for preventing your plants from drooping, which is a normal case when the plant starts giving fruit. This will prevent the stems to fall down because of the weight of the fruits and will help keep your plant straight and erect.
FAQ
What size pot do I need for a tomato plant?
For growing your tomato plant in a container, you need at least 1 square foot sized container. Follow the rule of the bigger, the better when choosing pots for plantation.
Can you grow tomato plants in a pot?
Yes, you can easily cultivate a tomato plant in pots. Refer to the information given above to find out how you can do it.
Do tomatoes grow better in pots or in the ground?
These thrive well both in gardens, as well as in containers.
Do tomato plants need sun or shade?
Plants of tomato need at least 6-8 hours of sun for their optimal growth. Therefore, make sure you place your containers at a place that receives plenty of sunlight.
Conclusion
Growing tomatoes is not a difficult job. You can easily cultivate them in a garden or in pots. If you have limited space in your garden, you can easily plant your tomatoes in a container or pot. They will grow well in the growing season and you will be able to get fresh tomatoes all summer long. In this article, you learned about all the important things that need to be taken care of when growing tomato in a container. Follow these tips to cultivate your fruits in the best possible manner:
- Choose the right potting soil and mix
- Add fertilizers to the soil to improve the growth of the fruit
- Place the containers where they are able to receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight
- Choose a well-draining soil
- Water the plant well to ensure that it receives plenty of moisture and nutrients that it needs to thrive
- Add support structures to the containers so that the drooping over of the plants can be prevented
Have anything to add from experience or want to ask any questions about growing your tomatoes in a container? Let us know in the comments below and we will get back to you. Happy gardening!