At a Glance
Growing tomatoes in containers offer a convenient and rewarding direction to enjoy homegrown tomato plant on patios , balconies , and even lowly spaces . Thiscomprehensive guidewill walk you through every step ofplanting tomatoesin containers , guarantee a successful and bountiful harvest home .
Choosing the Right Container
Select a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 12inches mysterious . Choose a material that drains well , such as terracotta , plastic , or cloth pots . Ensure the container hasdrainage holesto prevent waterlogging .
Preparing the Soil
Use a high - quality potting mix specifically formulated forcontainer horticulture . meliorate the soil with organic thing , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drain .
Selecting Tomato Varieties
Choose tomato varieties that are worthy for container growth . Look for thick anddeterminate varietiesthat produce a accomplishable amount of yield in ashorter menstruum . Somepopular container love apple varieties include‘Patio ’ , ‘ Celebrity ’ , and ‘ Bush Early Girl ’ .
Starting Tomato Seeds
initiate tomato seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last hoarfrost date . Sow the seeds in aseed start mixand keep them ardent and moist . Once the seedlings have developed their first dress oftrue leaf , transplant them into single containers .
Transplanting into Containers
lightly move out the tomato seedlings from their start containers and plant them in theprepared soil . Bury the shank up to the first set oftrue leaves . tauten the filth around the base of the plants and body of water profoundly .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water thetomato plants regularly , particularly during hot anddry atmospheric condition . debar overwatering , as this can lead toroot bunkum . Fertilize the plants every 2 - 3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer .
Supporting the Plants
As thetomato plants uprise , provide supportto prevent them from fall over . Usetomato Cage , stake , or trellises to keep the plant upright and off the ground . This will also ameliorate air circulation and reduce the peril of disease .
Pruning and Mulching
Pinch off sucker ( small-scale shoot that develop between themain stemand branches ) toencourage fruit production . Mulch around the plants with shuck or compost to keep back wet , suppress locoweed , and regulate soil temperature .
Pollination
Toensure fruit set , mildly escape from thetomato blossomsto boost pollination . you could also use a minor brushwood orcotton swabto carry-over pollen from one blossom to another .
Harvesting
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have developed theircharacteristic colorand flavor . Cut the tomatoes from the vine with asharp knifeor scissors .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Wrapping Up: A Bountiful Harvest from Container Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes in container is arewarding experiencethat can provide you with fresh , homegrown tomato plant . By following these footstep and leave proper precaution , you’re able to enjoy abountiful harvestof delicious andnutritious tomatoesfrom your own container garden .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Igrow tomatoesin any case of container?A : Yes , you cangrow tomatoesin various containers , including terracotta , charge plate , andfabric pots . Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes and is at least 12 inches in diam and depth . Q : How often should I water my tomato plant plants?A : Water thetomato plants on a regular basis , especially during hot anddry atmospheric condition . quash overwatering , as this can lead to beginning rot . Q : How do I prevent peak - destruction rot?A : heyday - end rot is triggered by a calcium lack . Add calcium to the grunge or use afoliar sprayto prevent this issue .
