Can I grow tomatoes in containers successfully?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Cultivating tomatoes in containers will yield great results if you use the correct technique. You can produce a plentiful harvest of fruit from balconies, patios, or a limited area. Select a suitable variety and monitor watering properly. I've grown tomatoes successfully in pots for fifteen years. Container gardening allows flexibility and control.
Choose dwarf or patio varieties that are bred for containers. Good picks are Tiny Tim, Patio Princess, and Tumbling Tom. These dwarf varieties grow less than 3 feet tall. They produce well with limited root space. I also prefer determinate types that fruit well the entire season.
When selecting containers, opt for at least 5-gallon containers for healthy root growth. Still, larger 10-gallon containers are even better for larger plants. Be careful to have plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. I make additional holes in store-bought pots. Light-colored pots prevent the soil from getting too hot in the sun.
Water container tomatoes every day during heat waves. Check the soil moisture in the morning and evening. Container pots dry out faster than garden soil. Use your finger to check the top 2 inches. Allow the liquid to drain to the bottom. Self-watering containers will reduce the frequency of watering.
Water Management
- Check soil moisture twice daily in summer
- Water until drainage appears
- Use saucers to catch excess water
Feeding Schedule
- Apply liquid fertilizer every 10-14 days
- Use balanced formulas during growth
- Switch to high potassium during fruiting
Seasonal Adjustments
- Rotate pots weekly for even sun exposure
- Move to afternoon shade in extreme heat
- Elevate pots for better airflow
Apply liquid fertilizer all the time for best results. Container plants deplete nutrients quickly. I use either fish emulsion or seaweed extract to feed my plants every two weeks. Begin fertilizing three weeks after planting. Once flowering begins, cut nitrogen levels by half. Food will keep up the production.
Provide 6 hours or more of direct sunlight a day. Morning sun and afternoon shade help keep leaves from scorching. Rotate containers weekly for even growth. I use wheeled plant stands for heavy pots. Supplement grow lights as needed. Good light brings good flowers.
Use compact tomato cages as early support. Opt for durable metal designs that are suitable for use in containers. Install the supports at planting to avoid damaging roots. I attach cages to pots with wire to ensure the cage remains securely in place. Prune only to remove diseased leaves.
Read the full article: How to Grow Tomatoes: Essential Steps for Success
