The tomato has to be everyone’s favorite vegetable to grow in containers. Many people who have never gardened before will begin by planting some tomatoes. There is something most enjoyable about seeing those red beauties ripen during the lazy, hazy days of summer. If you are planning to do some container gardening this season, here are a few tips to keep your tomatoes healthy and hearty.
Choose the biggest containers you can manage. Five gallon containers are a good size, since they can still be moved easily once filled with soil and provide enough room for plants to spread out. They may sound a bit big at first but you will be rewarded with a better crop if the pot is big enough. Purchase some good quality potting compost that has been mixed with organic fertilizer. Place some stones at the bottom of the pots and then fill with the potting compost.
Consider buying some tomato seedlings and re-pot them in your containers. You can also start tomatoes from seed packets, if you choose, but it’s often worth buying the plants that are already a few inches tall. Do not crowd your tomatoes. You may be tempted to fill up as much real estate in the container as possible, but tomatoes require a lot of Property! Invest in some sturdy stakes. Tomato plants can grow quite high and will need some support. You will want to get some stakes or tomato cages to keep them contained. Identify where you will be keeping the containers. You can put them out on a deck, on a porch or around the perimeter of your house, driveway or garden. Just make sure they get adequate sunlight, especially in the morning.
Keep them moist. Tomatoes need lots of water, but do not drown them. Stick your finger in the soil and if it feels dry, it’s time to give them a drink. It is better to water thoroughly when they are dry rather than little and often.
Fertilize the plants midway through the growing season. It will keep them healthy and give them a growth boost. Tomatoes are fun and fairly easy to grow in containers. Once they start producing, you will most likely end up with more fruit than you know what to do with. But there’s nothing as gratifying as picking a red tomato off the vine and slicing it into your salad.
Many other vegetables can be grown in containers along side your tomatoes, including lettuce, radishes, carrots, green or spring onions and, of course, fresh herbs.
Happy gardening!
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