Leslie Massey
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding edible plants to grow yourself, and they can be grown in pots or in the ground. The size of the pot is important as tomatoes need enough soil to support their growth. The pot should be at least 40 cm wide and 40 cm deep, with a soil depth of at least 24 cm and ideally more than 60 cm of soil. You can use a premium potting mix, but you can also make your own mix for extra nutrients. Tomatoes also need a lot of sun, so make sure to place the pot in a spot where the plant will get six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | Large, at least 18L or 40 cm wide and 40 cm deep |
| Container type | Plastic, terracotta, galvanised-metal water troughs, wine barrels, green woven planter bags |
| Soil depth | Minimum 24 cm, ideally more than 60 cm |
| Soil volume | 75L |
| Soil type | Good-quality potting mix, not garden soil |
| Drainage | Drainage holes are necessary |
| Sunlight | 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily |
| Watering | Daily in hot, dry weather |
| Fertiliser | Slow-release fertiliser, liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks |
| Pests | Caterpillars, aphids |
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What You'll Learn
Container size and type
For "indeterminate" or staking tomatoes, very large pots of at least 40-50 cm in diameter are required. These plants can also be grown in larger green woven planter bags, with 45L bags being the best option. Dwarf tomatoes can be grown in smaller 25L or 30L bags.
Determinate and dwarf tomato plants can be grown in smaller pots, but it is important to research the specific cultivar to ensure the pot is big enough. These plants still vary in size and can benefit from a slightly larger pot. For example, a 'Patio Prize' tomato plant will grow to about 50-60 cm and can be grown in a smaller pot.
The style of the container is less important than its size, but some considerations should be made. Containers with a soil depth of at least 24 cm are ideal, with more than 60 cm of soil or a total soil volume of about 75 litres being preferable. Galvanised-metal water troughs and wine barrels are excellent options for growing tomatoes, as they provide ample space for the roots. Plastic pots are also a great choice as they are lightweight and easy to move around, especially when trying to catch the early sun or avoid the hot afternoon sun. Black plastic pots are perfect for capturing the early season heat, while paler colours are better for deflecting heat during the summer. Self-watering plastic pots are a convenient option for those short on time, as they ensure the plant's water needs are met even when left unattended for a few days.
Terracotta pots should be sealed with a water-based terracotta sealer to reduce moisture loss, while the glazed version is a more water-efficient alternative, albeit harder to move around. Old, foam fruit boxes can also be used for small bush-type tomato plants, provided they are at least 30 cm deep.
When choosing a container, ensure it has drainage holes at the bottom. If it doesn't, be sure to drill three to five holes before planting. Containers dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens, so it is crucial to check them daily and water the tomatoes as needed.
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Soil and potting mix
When growing tomatoes in pots, it is important to use a good-quality potting mix that drains well while retaining some moisture. Containers tend to dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens, so it is important to check them daily and water them daily during hot, dry weather.
A good potting mix can be purchased from a local gardening centre or online. Some good options include Nature's Soil Potting Mix and Brunnings Tomato and Vegetable Growing Mix. These mixes have high organic content and are therefore not recommended for use in a wicking bed as they may turn anaerobic. For a wicking bed, a mix with higher sand content is preferable.
It is also possible to make your own potting mix. One recipe suggests starting with a base of coconut coir or cocopeat, which holds water well without becoming dense. Another option for the base is perlite, which is less dense than river sand. To this base, you can add garden soil and compost in equal parts. This provides added nutrients and helps with moisture retention.
To further improve the mix, you can add a few amendments. Aged sheep and cow manure is a good option, as it contains a broad range of nutrients and organic matter that tomatoes love. Just be careful not to overfeed your tomatoes. You can also add rock minerals and a small amount of potash, which helps with flower and fruit development and disease resilience.
Finally, it is important to note that fertiliser is typically added after the initial planting, once the roots of the seedlings are established. A slow-release fertiliser can be added to the potting mix, followed by liquid fertiliser every two weeks.
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Sunlight and water
Tomatoes require a lot of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. They need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day, but eight or more hours will produce the best results in terms of fruit yield. The plants convert sunlight into energy, which they use to produce fruit. Therefore, the more sunshine they get, the more energy they have to produce fruit.
However, too much sun can be problematic. Just as humans can get sunburnt from too much sun exposure, so can tomatoes. Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause sunscald, which appears as white or pale patches on the fruits. To prevent this, provide afternoon shade or use shade cloths to protect the developing fruits.
Tomatoes also require regular watering, and the frequency of watering will depend on several factors, including the growth stage of the plant, soil type, container material, and weather conditions. Newly transplanted seedlings do not need to be watered as frequently as mature plants. However, once the plants have flowered and started to fruit, they will need to be watered more often, especially during hot and dry weather.
To determine if your tomato plants need watering, perform a daily check by visually inspecting the soil to see if it looks dry and sticking your finger into the soil to feel if it is dry. If the soil looks and feels dry, then it is time to water. It is important to note that inconsistent watering can be just as detrimental as underwatering. If tomato plants, especially those in pots, are allowed to dry out completely, they may develop issues such as blossom end rot.
To help retain soil moisture, consider using larger containers, as they hold more soil and dry out less quickly. Additionally, using containers with adequate drainage holes and mulching the surface of the soil can also help to conserve moisture. For container-grown tomatoes, self-watering pots or reservoirs can reduce the frequency of watering.
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Fertilising
When it comes to fertilising your tomatoes, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, tomatoes are heavy feeders, meaning they require a significant amount of nutrients to grow and produce fruit. Therefore, it is important to use a fertiliser that is
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Staking and caging
Tomato plants need support to grow, with the exception of small determinate or bush varieties. There are two main types of support: staking and caging.
Staking
Stakes are available in a range of materials, including wood, bamboo, plastic, and metal, and can be up to 10 feet long. When using stakes, most gardeners prune their tomatoes to one or two stems. The stem will need to be attached to the stake to hold it in place. If you're using bamboo or wooden stakes, put one stake in the soil at the centre of the plant and add three or four stakes around the edges of the pot to help support future lateral branches. You can also use string to create a trellis by looping it around the outer stakes to form a loose cage.
Caging
Tomato cages are the most common form of support and work well for determinate tomatoes. Cages can be made from metal or wood and surround the plant as it grows. Metal cages will be more expensive but will last longer. The wire cages consist of vertical wires surrounded by several wire hoops that are attached at intervals from the bottom to the top of the vertical wires. You can also create your own cage by bending metal fencing or hog wire into a cylindrical shape and using wire to connect the ends. Insert it into the soil or slip it over the outside of the pot, then secure it to stakes driven firmly into the soil.
The type of support you use will depend on the type of tomato you are growing and how many you plan to grow. If you are growing both determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, you may want to use a combination of cages and stakes.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of the pot depends on the type of tomato you are growing. For example, 'indeterminate' or 'staking' tomatoes need to be grown in very large pots with a minimum diameter of 40–50 cm. 'Determinate' tomatoes can be grown in smaller pots, but it is important to research the specific cultivar to ensure the pot is big enough. In general, pots for tomatoes should be at least 18L or larger, with a soil depth of at least 24 cm.
Plastic pots are a great choice for growing tomatoes as they are lightweight and easy to move around. Black plastic pots are ideal for capturing the early season heat, while paler colours are better for deflecting heat during the summer. Self-watering plastic pots are also a good option for those with limited time. If you opt for terracotta pots, seal them with a water-based terracotta sealer to reduce moisture loss. Glazed terracotta pots are more water-efficient but harder to move. Metal containers, such as galvanised-metal water troughs or wine barrels, can also be used, but avoid placing them in areas with excessive heat to prevent root burn.
It is important to use a good-quality potting mix that drains well while retaining some moisture. Fresh potting mix is preferable to soil to minimise disease. Coconut coir peat can be added to the mix to help hold moisture. Avoid adding large amounts of compost to the mix as it can clog drainage spaces. Instead, add a layer of compost on top to slowly build up nutrients. You can also add fertiliser to the mix, such as liquid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser, to promote vigorous growth.
