Looking for a few simple secrets to growing tomatoes in pots and containers with big success?
Container growing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes when you don’t have space for a traditional garden. From patios and decks to small backyards and balconies, growing in pots makes it possible for nearly anyone to grow their own tomatoes anywhere there is warmth and a little sunshine.
But one thing is for sure, to have a successful harvest, there are a few critical steps that make all the difference. The good news is that it’s easier than you might have ever thought. In fact, armed with just three key secrets to success – you will be harvesting more tomatoes than you can imagine this year!
3 Big Secrets To Growing Tomatoes In Pots
#1 – The Bigger The Pot – The Better The Harvest!
The first and most important secret to growing tomatoes successfully in pots and containers is making sure the container is large enough for the plant to grow properly.
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is trying to grow tomatoes in containers that are simply too small. Tomatoes are vigorous plants that develop large root systems as they grow. If those roots don’t have enough room to spread out, the plant struggles to absorb both moisture and nutrients.
When this happens, the plant often stays small, produces fewer blooms, and ultimately yields far fewer tomatoes.
For most tomato varieties, a container that holds at least five gallons of soil is the absolute minimum size that should ever be used. Even better is a container that holds ten gallons or more of soil. Larger containers allow roots to spread out and grow stronger, which leads to healthier plants and bigger harvests.
Larger containers also help solve another major issue that container tomatoes face – drying out too quickly. Small pots heat up fast in the sun and lose moisture quickly. This causes the soil to dry out rapidly. Larger containers hold more soil, which means they hold more moisture and stay evenly hydrated much longer.
When choosing containers, there are many options that work well. Traditional clay pots, plastic containers, large grow bags and even repurposed 5 gallon buckets can all work successfully. The most important thing is simply that the container is large enough and has proper drainage holes. Affiliate Link: VIVOSUN 5-Pack 15 Gallon Plant Grow Bags, Heavy Duty Thickened Nonwoven Fabric Pots with Handles
#2 – Use High Quality Potting Soil
The second major secret to growing tomatoes in pots and containers is all about the soil – as in starting with high-quality fertile potting soil. It’s also important to feed the plants regularly throughout the growing season to keep that soil fertile!
Unlike tomatoes planted in the ground, container plants rely entirely on the soil that is placed inside the pot. Once nutrients in that soil are used up, the plant has nowhere else to pull nutrients from. This is why it is extremely important to begin with a rich, high-quality potting soil mixture.
A good potting mix should be loose, well-draining, and full of organic matter. High-quality potting soil allows roots to grow freely while also holding enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated between watering. Do not use ordinary soil from your garden.
Finally, here’s a little secret to success when growing tomatoes in pots – add worm castings into the potting soil before planting! Castings help improve the structure of the soil and add a slow-release source of nutrients that tomatoes love. Affiliate Link: 100% Pure Worm Castings
Regular Fertilizing Matters
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. As they grow larger and begin producing fruit, they require even more nutrients to keep up with their rapid growth. That’s why regular fertilizing is so important when growing tomatoes in containers.
One of the best ways to keep container tomatoes thriving is to fertilize them every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus. Phosphorus is a key nutrient that helps encourage strong flowering and fruit production. See our article: How To Fertilize Tomato Plants In The Summer – Energize Plants For More Tomatoes!
When tomato plants receive adequate phosphorus, they produce more blossoms, which means more tomatoes later in the season. Liquid fertilizers work especially well for container plants because they are quickly absorbed by the roots. This allows the plant to receive nutrients almost immediately after feeding.
By fertilizing every two weeks throughout the growing season, container tomatoes remain strong, productive, and capable of producing a steady supply of fruit all summer long.
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#3 – Choose Tomato Varieties That Thrive When Growing In Pots
The final secret to growing tomatoes successfully in pots and containers is choosing tomato varieties that naturally grow well in smaller spaces.
Not all tomato plants are the same. Some tomato varieties grow extremely large and require significant room to spread out. These larger varieties can quickly overwhelm a container, making them difficult to manage.
Large indeterminate tomatoes can easily grow six to eight feet tall and develop extensive root systems. While they can technically grow in containers, they usually perform much better when planted directly in garden soil where they have unlimited space.
For container growing, smaller or bush-type tomato varieties tend to perform far better. Bush tomatoes, often referred to as determinate varieties, grow to a more manageable size and produce their fruit over a shorter period of time. Because they stay more compact, they fit perfectly into container growing environments.
Mid-sized tomato varieties also work well in containers when given a large enough pot and proper support. Cherry tomatoes are another excellent choice for container growing. Many cherry tomato plants naturally produce smaller vines and abundant fruit, making them ideal for patios and decks.
When selecting container-friendly tomatoes, look for varieties described as patio, bush, dwarf, or compact. These types of plants are specifically bred to thrive in smaller growing spaces. Even though these varieties stay smaller, they can still produce incredibly impressive harvests when properly cared for.
Here is to growing tomatoes in pots this year – and enjoying a strong harvest all summer long!
Simple Garden Life
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Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.