如何 to Grow Tomatoes in Containers

Tomatoes grow well in containers when you provide enough root space, consistent water, and full sun. Container growing works on patios, balconies, and driveways where ground planting is not an option.

Container Size

Minimum 5-gallon pot for determinate (bush) varieties. Use 10-gallon or larger for indeterminate (vining) varieties. Bigger pots hold more soil, which retains moisture longer and provides more room for root growth. A tomato plant in a small pot dries out quickly and produces less fruit.

Soil Mix

Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Garden soil compacts in containers and drains poorly. Add perlite for extra drainage and compost for nutrients. A mix of 60 percent potting mix, 20 percent compost, and 20 percent perlite works well.

Planting

Bury the stem deep. Tomatoes grow roots from buried stem tissue, which creates a stronger root system. Bury two-thirds of the stem if possible. Remove the lower leaves before burying.

Watering

Containers dry out faster than ground beds. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot weather, this may mean watering daily or even twice daily for smaller pots. Inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot and cracked fruit. A drip irrigation system or self-watering pot simplifies the schedule.

Fertilizing

Container tomatoes deplete nutrients quickly because roots cannot spread to find more. Feed every two weeks with a balanced tomato fertilizer once flowering begins. Switch to a higher-potassium fertilizer once fruit starts setting. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen produces lots of foliage but few tomatoes.

Support

Even bush varieties benefit from a cage or stake. Vining varieties need a sturdy cage, trellis, or stake system. The container must be heavy enough to support the weight of the plant and cage without tipping over. A water-filled pot with a mature tomato plant is surprisingly heavy.

Sunlight

Tomatoes need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place containers in the sunniest spot available. South-facing locations receive the most sun in the Northern Hemisphere. Containers can be moved to follow the sun if needed, which is an advantage over ground planting.