Here are five essential tips for successfully growing tomatoes in pots plus some additional ideas to increase your potted tomato harvest.
5 Top Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Pots
For one plant, you need a container that is at least 1 square foot, but 2 square feet is better (5-gallon buckets are the perfect size). Make sure the container has good drainage, though, so that the roots remain moist but not soggy. If you use a bucket, drill holes in the bottom to allow water drainage. Fill your pot with high-quality potting soil to about an inch from the top rim. When planting a tomato seedling, remove the bottom few sets of leaves, and dig a hole deep enough so that most of the plant is buried in the planting hole. A tomato plant will produce roots along the buried part of its stem, developing a strong root system and sturdier plants. Apply water directly on the soil and minimize moisture on the leaves, which can encourage blight and fungus. The soil should be moist but not soggy to avoid root rot. During sweltering summer days or hot and windy days, you might have to water plants twice a day. If a tomato plant receives too little water, the plant will wilt and weaken, and the tomatoes could develop blossom end rot. If your plants are receiving inconsistent watering, tomato fruits can crack or split. Some potting soils already have fertilizers included in them, so read the soil bag to determine if these essential nutrients are included in the mix. If the potting soil does not include fertilizer, feed the plants with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer or a tomato-specific fertilizer. Place your pots in a location that receives sunlight all day long, and if conditions change throughout the growing season, move the pots to ensure adequate sun exposure. Tomato plants like warm temperatures. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees, bring the plants inside or protect them from the cold. If temperatures soar above 90 degrees, provide more shade because the plant will stop producing flowers and fruit.
Containers are particularly useful if you don’t have an in-ground garden space. Pots can be placed on a balcony, porch, patio, driveway, or deck. As long as you know the tips and tricks for keeping tomatoes happy, you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes anywhere.
