Growing Your Tomatoes In A Container Allows Them To Always Be In The Sun
For those with limited space, tomato plants can be grown just as effectively in a container as in a garden.
A container is an ideal location in which to grow tomato plants and has several benefits. For those lacking in space or do not have a garden at all, this is the perfect method. Pots can be located anywhere that benefits from enough light for the plant to support its growth including patios, yards and even window sills.
Plus, since tomato plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, pots can be moved from location to location to ensure that the plant is receiving the right amount of sunlight, eliminating the need for one particularly sunny spot. Another benefit to growing tomato plants in pots is that it eliminates the need to weed!
Container planting has proven to be successful for most varieties of tomato plant, although some of course, fare better than others. Growing tomatoes that do not grow too large should be considered. Varieties that grow smaller than others are known as determinate tomatoes. They will typically grow to about 30-60 cm (1 to 2 ft) maximum.
It is common for a tomato crop to ripen at the same time if grown in containers, so growing smaller tomatoes helps reduce the likelihood of being left with unwanted fruit.
To ensure success, it is also often better to choose a tomato variety that has a lower water demand. The keep the soil from drying out, a tomato plant needs about 2-3cm (one inch) of water per week. Keeping the soil moist in a pot can often be a challenge. The key to keeping the soil moist it to choose the right kind of pot for your tomato plant.
A standard terracotta pot that provides adequate room for the roots to expand is perfect for your plant. Selecting a pot with drainage holes at the bottom is important to ensure adequate drainage. A common tip is to add a layer of stones or shingle at the bottom of the pot, ensuring good drainage and helping avoid root rot.
Using the correct kind of soil in the pot helps keep the soil moist. A mix of sphagnum peat, perlite and vermiculite tends to deliver healthy tomato plants grown in a pot. To the soil should be added a scoop of fertilizer, preferably organic, and be mixed in well. Tomato plants tend to be heavy feeders so you should add a fertilizer that is slow acting. Fertilizer should be added to the plants every 2-4 weeks.
Growing your own tomatoes is truly enjoyable. Enjoying freshly grown organic tomatoes that taste better than those from the shops is priceless. With the ability to grow tomato plants in a container, flat and apartment dwellers and those who are limited on space can enjoy the same benefits as those with access to a full outdoor garden.
Tom Brown is a longstanding tomato grower and loves to share his knowledge with others. For more great information on growing tomatoes, visit his website and sign up for his free mini-course or, for a more detailed guide to growing tomatoes, be sure to look at Tom’s fantastic e-book Guide to Growing Big Red Juicy Tomatoes.
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