Growing Tomatoes in Containers

The tomato is everyone's favorite vegetable to grow in containers. Most people who have never gardened before will begin by planting tomatoes. There is something very satisfying about seeing those red beauties ripen during the lazy, hazy days of summer. If you are planning to do some container gardening this season, here are a few tips to keep your tomatoes healthy and hearty.

Choose the largest containers you can manage. Five gallon containers are a good size, since they can still be moved easily once filled with soil and provide enough room for plants to spread out. Purchase some good quality potting soil that has been mixed with organic fertilizer. Place some stones at the bottom of your containers and then fill with the soil.

Consider buying tomato seedlings and re-pot them in your containers. You can also start tomatoes from seed packets, if you choose, but it's often worth buying the plants that are already a few inches tall. Do not crowd the tomatoes. You may be tempted to fill up as much real estate in the container as possible, but tomatoes require a lot of room. Invest in some stakes. Tomato plants can grow quite high and will need some support. You will want to get some stakes or tomato cages to keep them contained. Identify where you will be keeping the containers. You can put them on a deck, on a porch or around the perimeter of your house, driveway or garden. Just make sure they get adequate sunlight.

Keep them moist. Tomatoes crave water, but do not drown them. Stick your finger in the soil and if it feels dry, it's time to give them a drink.

Fertilize the plants midway through the growing season. It will keep them healthy and give them a growing boost. Tomatoes are fun and easy to grow in containers. Once they start producing, you will most likely end up with more fruit than you know what to do with. But there's nothing as gratifying as picking a red tomato off the vine and slicing it into your salad.

Happy gardening!

Marty is a regular contributor of a number of gardening sites including Manual of Gardening and Home Vegetable Gardening.

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