CONTAINER GROWING OF TOMATOES

There are several types of containers that are ideal for growing your tomato plants in.

A standard type container, the equal height as the diameter, is the most recommended. However you can use plastic pots, clay pots, whiskey barrels, bushel baskets or black plastic pots. No matter what container you use it must have holes in the bottom for proper drainage and to help prevent root rot.

Once you have made your choice of a container for your tomato you need to fill it 3/4 full of a quality potting soil mix. Before you fill your container with potting soil put a stake near the center of the pot and then plant your tomato next to the stake. Always choose the most vigorous, stocky plants for your container since this will give you a better start. Water your tomato plant and add a little more soil if needed.

Place your tomato plants where the will receive at least 8 hours of sun daily. If you have problems with sun or wind you can always move the container to a better location, this is one of the benefits of container growing tomatoes. Make sure you check your plants on a everyday basis to see if the need to be watered and by mid-July you can begin fertilizing them. Give your plants a good watering once a week with a quality water soluble fertilizer. Always water your tomatoes before fertilizing them.

Once your tomato plant begins to bear fruit, you will want to take off the ripe fruit quickly to keep the fruit forming. Many other vegetables besides tomatoes can be grown in containers, such as cucumbers, squash and peppers.

It truly is fantastic to have the ability to raise your own tomatoes. You can enjoy delicious natural tomatoes which taste so much better then what you can acquire from your grocery store. By using containers to grow your tomatoes in even apartment dwellers or anyone who is restricted for room can still savor the same rewards as people who have a backyard garden.