Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Tomatoes are a delicious fruit which can grow almost year round in warmer climates. One benefit of growing tomatoes versus other vegetables is that almost any variety of tomato can grow in containers, which helps people who are limited on planting space. Growing tomatoes in pots requires a suitable container, healthy soil, and the proper care and growing conditions.

Since just about every tomato variety can be suitably grown in a container, selecting a tomato variety relies mostly on personal preference. Once the tomato variety has been selected, growing tomatoes in pots requires a fairly large container. Many gardeners recommend using a 5 gallon pot, which can be plastic, terra cotta, or recycled from household pots or other containers. Ensure that the pot or container has drainage holes at the bottom and fill the pot 3/4ths of the way with soil. Starting with tomato seedlings is the best idea, as seed germination can take at least 7-10 weeks extra. Plant several tomato plants into the soil and place additional potting soil into the pot until the plants are covered to just below their first leaves. Peat moss and compost are good mixtures for a do-it-yourself potting soil, but soil directly from the garden is not preferable since it can be infested with disease or bugs.

Growing tomatoes in pots can be started as early as March in warmer climate zones. Depending on the size of the pot, the pot's location, and the maturity of the plant, tomato plants may need to be watered once weekly, every other day, or daily. Watering needs will increase as the plant flowers and begins to bear fruit. Potted plants also need a healthy dose of fertilizer or plant food once in a while, and this need, like watering needs, increases as the plant flowers and bears fruit.

A major benefit of growing tomatoes in pots is portability. As long as tomato plants receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day, it is perfectly acceptable to grow them on a windowsill, a balcony, or a patio. Container-grown tomatoes are an easy to care for and affordable alternative to hydroponic tomatoes.