One year in the thick summer heat, we went crabbing with our kids for blue claws. When we came home to cook the batch, we decided it would be a good idea to cook them in a homemade sauce using some of our tomatoes we were growing in containers.
It was probably one of the most delicious meals I have ever tasted.
The fresh yellow tomatoes we used weren’t too acidic and had the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the crabs’ meat.
It is now one of our favorite meals to make and share with friends.
Tomatoes are an essential summer crop to grow for many reasons. They can be saved and stored to eat over the winter. They’re excellent in fresh salads, hamburgers, or cheeseburgers during the summer barbecue and even appetizers with a sprig of fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
If you’ve always wanted to grow your tomatoes but need to know where to start, I’m here to help.
Don’t worry if you don’t have too much space; they are an easy crop to grow in containers and are prolific. We often have so many tomatoes we give many away to neighbors and friends.
Read on if you’d like to learn all my tricks so that you can be successful growing tomatoes in containers.
Get the Right Tomato Plant
When growing tomatoes in containers, determinate types are the best choice. These plants grow to a predetermined size and set flowers and fruits simultaneously, making them ideal for container growth.
Indeterminate tomatoes can also be grown in containers, provided you have a large enough container and good support. Determinate tomatoes are the best choice if you have a short growing season, a late start, or a minimal footprint.
Some recommended determinate tomato varieties are Glacier, Red Siberian, Italian Roma, Supremo Roma, and Cherry Falls.
An indeterminate variety might be a better fit if you have a decent growing season and enough space for a large, tall plant. Some recommended indeterminate tomato varieties are Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Black Krim, Cuore Di Bue, and Chocolate Cherry.
Cherry tomatoes growing in a homemade grow box.
Enjoying some of our cherry tomatoes in a homemade sauce.
Get the Right Container
When growing tomatoes in pots, the correct container is critical. Look for a large, lightweight pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
For our smaller varieties, we use 10-gallon grow bags, and they work out quite well.
Position the container in full sun and use potting soil rich in organic matter. You can mix slow-release fertilizers into the soil for added nutrition. Plant the tomato deeply and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Give your plants some growing support like stakes or cages. Feed them once a week starting around week six, and add companion plants only if there’s room.
Finally, harvest tomatoes once they are nearly entirely red. Growing tomatoes in pots is a rewarding experience; with these tips, you can enjoy juicy fruits from your backyard!
Prepare the Soil
Before growing your tomatoes in containers, you need to get the soil ready. Start by filling a pot with high-quality potting soil up to about an inch from the top rim.
The bottom few sets of leaves should be removed before planting tomato seedlings, and the planting hole should be dug deep enough to enclose the majority of the plant. Your tomato plants will grow roots along the portion of their stems that you bury, which will help them establish a more substantial root system and make them more resilient when grown in pots.
Water and Fertilize
When growing tomatoes in containers, it is important to water the plants in the morning directly on the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy, to prevent root rot. During hot and windy days, tomatoes may need to be watered twice a day. Additionally, make sure to water your plants regularly as container plants can dry out quickly.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require feeding about every two weeks. If you are using a potting soil mix, it may already have fertilizers included in it so read the soil bag to determine if these essential nutrients are included.
If the potting soil does not include fertilizer, we recommend using an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer or a tomato-specific fertilizer for best results when growing in pots.
It’s important to ensure your plants get enough sunlight when growing in pots. If needed, move them around throughout the day as the sun moves.
Pruning Tomatoes to Increase Yield
Removing the suckers reallocates resources to the branches that will eventually flower and opens up space for sunlight and air. In warmer climates, leaving the two base leaves on the suckers and pinching off the shoot above them helps provide shade for lower leaves.
Staking Your Tomatoes
Harvest and Enjoy
One of the benefits about growing your tomatoes in pots is harvesting your very own tomatoes!
Use a little tug when the tomatoes have reached their desired color, and they should come off easily.
If they give you a hard time, wait a few days until they are totally ripe and pick them.
Take pleasure in your freshly picked tomatoes; they will undoubtedly be the best you have ever had!
Gardening in pots can be a satisfying and enjoyable activity, and it’s a terrific way to enjoy season-long access to homegrown tomatoes.
Final Thoughts
Tomatoes are a fantastic crop to grow if you don’t have a lot of space. Each plant produces pounds of produce that you can enjoy right away or can to be enjoyed over the winter months.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to successfully grow delicious tomatoes in containers all season long.
