Growing Tomatos in Containers

Growing tomatos in containers or pots is especially good for those living in apartments or anyone with limited or no ground space to plant. Varieties best suited for container tomato gardening are often referred to as patio tomatoes.

Patio tomatos or container tomato plants usually are those that bear smaller fruit, although many of the tomato plants themselves can reach seven feet.

Patio tomatos are great in green salads and in hot or cold pasta dishes, or just eaten as they are. Different colors and flavors make them a welcome addition to your recipes.

Planting Tomatos in Containers

Planting tomatos in containers is much the same as ground planting. Use good potting soil for planting, and select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the mature size of the tomato plant, and be extra diligent about watering.

Unlike in ground planting, where you have all that cool surrounding soil, and all but the top of your plant submerged, in a container you have maximum exposure to air, sun and wind. Water at the soil level keeping leaves dry, and water consistently. If soil is not damp at 3 to 4 inches, it is time to water. Avoid shallow containers. Tomatoes should be planted deep with just top leaves exposed.

Staking Tomatos

Staking tomatos when you plant them allows you to see where you are placing the stake so as to avoid damaging the plant. When staking tomatos, place stake 2-3 inches from root and as deep as possible to provide support. Keep in mind the mature height of your tomato plant when selecting stakes.

Staking tomato plants whether they are in pots or in the ground, protects them from wind, keeps the fruit off the soil and help to keep leaves dry when watering.