How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots

Growing tomatoes in pots is a great way to have fresh, homegrown tomatoes, even if you don’t have much outdoor space.

I’ve always been drawn to cultivating my own little area of greenery. Even when I lived in apartments with no backyard growing space, I turned to container gardening on my deck to nourish my green thumb.

I have tried growing everything from herbs to salad greens and even strawberries in hanging baskets. I also enjoyed growing a tomato plant or two in containers for fresh tomatoes all summer long.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about tending to your own tomatoes, watching them grow from tiny seedlings to towering vines laden with juicy, sun-ripened fruit. And the best part? You don’t need a sprawling garden to make it happen. Whether you’ve got a sunny balcony, a small patio, or even just a sunny area on your front steps, you can grow tomatoes in containers and enjoy a taste of homegrown goodness.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of container-grown tomatoes, and I will share everything I’ve learned along the way. I’ll cover the benefits of growing tomatoes in containers, explore the best varieties for containers, the basics of choosing the right containers and soil preparation, and share plenty of tips for nurturing your plants to harvest.

So, grab your gardening gloves and join me as we embark on this journey together. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the joy of plucking a ripe, juicy tomato straight from your own container garden, you’ll never look back.

Benefits of Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Container gardening offers a myriad of advantages, and when it comes to tomatoes, the perks are plentiful. Here’s why growing tomatoes in containers is a fantastic choice:

Space-Saving Solution: Whether you live in a tiny apartment or have limited outdoor space, containers provide a compact and efficient way to grow tomatoes. You can place them on a balcony, patio, or deck, making them easily accessible for care and harvests.
Flexibility and Mobility: Containers give you the freedom to move your tomato plants around as needed. You can follow the sun throughout the season, ensuring your plants receive the optimal sunlight. Plus, if you’re dealing with stormy weather, you can easily relocate your containers to a safer spot.
Improved Soil Quality: Container gardening allows you to control the quality of your soil, ensuring it’s well-draining, nutrient-rich, and free from contaminants and soil-borne pathogens.
Pest and Disease Management: Growing tomatoes in containers can minimize the risk of diseases that often plague plants grown in the ground. Plus, you can easily monitor your plants for signs of trouble and take proactive measures to keep them healthy.
Extended Growing Season: You can extend your harvest and enjoy fresh fruit longer by bringing your containers indoors during cooler weather or when end-of-season frosts are predicted.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it – tomato plants are downright gorgeous. Their lush foliage and vibrant fruits add beauty and visual interest to any outdoor space. By growing tomatoes in containers, you can incorporate them into your patio decor or balcony garden, creating a stunning focal point that’s both functional and ornamental.

Selecting Tomato Varieties for Containers

When it comes to growing tomatoes in containers, choosing the right varieties can make all the difference in the success of your garden. Choose compact varieties that are well-suited for container growth, ensuring they won’t outgrow their allotted space.

Here’s a guide to selecting tomato varieties that are well-suited for container growth:

Dwarf tomato varieties are compact plants specifically bred for container gardening. These pint-sized powerhouses may have smaller fruit, but they make up for it with prolific yields and space-saving growth habits. Look for dwarf varieties like Tiny Tim or Patio Princess for a bountiful harvest in limited space.
Determinate tomato varieties are known for their bushy and compact growth habit. These plants reach a predetermined height and then flower, produce, and ripen fruit all at once, making them ideal for container gardening. Determinate tomatoes such as Roma or Celebrity are excellent choices for containers, offering reliable yields and manageable size.
Patio tomatoes are specifically bred to thrive in containers and small spaces. These compact plants are perfect for balconies and patios, providing a steady supply of tasty tomatoes without taking up too much room. Consider varieties like Bush Early Girl or Container Choice for a compact, container-friendly option.
Cherry tomatoes are well-suited for container gardening due to their small size and prolific fruit production. These bite-sized beauties come in a rainbow of colors and flavors, making them a delightful addition to any container garden. Choose cherry tomato varieties such as Sun Gold, Sweet 100, or Black Cherry for a continuous harvest of deliciously sweet tomatoes. Give these indeterminate tomatoes a tall trellis because their vines can grow quite long.

By selecting tomato varieties tailored to container growth and considering factors like plant size, yield, and growth habit, you’ll set yourself up for a successful container garden full of flavorful tomatoes.

Choosing the Right Container

When it comes to growing tomatoes in pots, selecting the right container is important for the success of your plants. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect container:

Container Size

Keep in mind that tomatoes have extensive root systems and require plenty of space to spread out. The size of your container will directly impact the growth and productivity of your tomatoes.

Larger containers hold more soil providing more nutrients and moisture for your plants to thrive. Choose large containers at least 15 to 20 inches in diameter and 20 to 24 inches in depth that hold 10 to 25 gallons of soil to provide ample space for root development. Additionally, their weight helps prevent tipping, especially when cultivating tall tomato varieties that can reach impressive heights.
Smaller, 5-gallon pots will work for dwarf or patio tomato varieties, as these plants have been developed to remain small and compact specifically for growing in small spaces.

Pot Material

Containers come in a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons:

Clay or terracotta pots are attractive and provide good airflow to the roots, but they are heavy, can dry out quickly, and are prone to cracking in freezing temperatures.
Plastic pots are lightweight, durable, and retain moisture well, making them a popular choice for container gardening.
Fabric pots or grow bags are breathable and promote air pruning of roots, but they tend to dry out quicker and require more frequent watering.

Drainage and Aeration

Proper drainage is important for container-grown tomatoes, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other issues. Look for containers with drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape freely. Drill more holes if necessary. Elevating the container slightly on pot feet or placing it on a saucer filled with gravel can further improve drainage and aeration.

By carefully selecting the right container size and material and ensuring proper drainage, you’ll set your tomato plants up for success. With the perfect container in place, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy, vibrant tomatoes right on your balcony.

Trellises and Supports for Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are notorious for their vigorous growth and tendency to sprawl, so providing adequate support is important for keeping your plants upright and maximizing space in your container garden. Here are some options for trellises and supports to help your tomato plants thrive:

Tomato Cages

Tomato cages are cylindrical wire structures that surround the tomato plant, providing 360-degree support as it grows. Choose sturdy, galvanized steel cages that can withstand the weight of mature tomato vines and fruit. When planting, place the cage over the young tomato plant so the stems are supported as they grow. As the plant matures, gently guide the branches through the openings in the cage to encourage upward growth.

Sturdy Stakes

Bamboo, wooden, or metal stakes are a simple and effective way to support tomato plants in containers. Drive the stake into the soil before transplanting your tomato plant so you don’t damage the roots. As the tomato plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the stake using soft twine or garden clips. Stakes provide vertical support, keeping the plant upright and preventing it from toppling over under the weight of heavy fruit.

Trellis Systems

Trellises are tall vertical structures with horizontal supports that provide a framework for training tomato plants to grow upward. They are ideal for tall, indeterminant tomato varieties that grow long vines that can stretch to 8 feet or taller.

You can purchase pre-made trellis systems or create your own using trellis netting supported by sturdy wooden stakes, bamboo poles, or PVC pipes. Install the trellis near the container and train the tomato plant to climb the trellis as it grows. Regularly prune and tie the branches to the trellis to encourage upward growth and prevent sprawling.

How to Plant Tomatoes in Containers

Now that we’ve discussed the best tomato varieties for container gardening and selected the perfect pots and trellis supports for our plants, it’s time to get our hands dirty and plant our container tomatoes.

Before planting, it’s important to wait until all danger of frost has passed, as tomatoes are sensitive to cold temperatures. Once the threat of frost has subsided and the weather has warmed, it’s go-time for planting our tomatoes.

In this section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of planting tomatoes in pots, from selecting healthy transplants to providing the ideal growing conditions for your plants. With a little know-how, you’ll be well on your way to growing your own delicious tomatoes right on your deck, patio, or balcony.

Step 1: Start with Healthy Transplants

Healthy tomato seedlings are more likely to establish well in your container garden and produce a bountiful harvest. Select healthy transplants from a reputable nursery or garden center. Look for sturdy stems, vibrant green leaves, and no signs of disease or pests. Take the time to scrutinize each plant, checking for any abnormalities or signs of stress. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, wilting stems, or leaf spots, as these may indicate underlying health issues.

Step 2: Harden Off Seedlings

If the plants come from a warm greenhouse, they must gradually adapt to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into containers. This process, known as hardening off, helps reduce the shock of transitioning from the sheltered environment of the greenhouse to the harsher conditions of the outdoors.

Begin hardening off your seedlings about one to two weeks before your planned transplant date. Start by placing the seedlings outdoors in a sheltered location, such as a shaded porch or patio, for a few hours each day.

Gradually increase the amount of time the seedlings spend outdoors, as well as their exposure to direct sunlight and wind, over several days to a week.

Once the seedlings have been hardened off and are accustomed to outdoor conditions, they’ll be ready to transplant into your containers.

Step 3: Prepare the Containers

Ensure your container has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Drill extra holes if needed.

Use a fresh, high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers. Avoid using garden soil, which may contain pests, diseases, or weed seeds. Consider amending the potting mix with a slow-release organic fertilizer, and organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Fill the container with potting mix, then water it well. Allow the soil to soak up the moisture so it is hydrated. You want the soil to be evenly damp throughout.

Close up of a pot ready to transplant tomatoes.

Fill the container with potting mix, then water it well. Allow the soil to soak up the moisture so it is hydrated.

Step 4: Transplant the Seedlings into the Pots

Dig a hole slightly larger than the transplant’s root ball. You can bury the stem deep into the pot, and it will grow extra roots under the soil.

Gently remove the tomato transplant from its nursery pot, careful not to disturb the roots. Place the transplant in the hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming the soil around the plant’s base.

Water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Continue to water frequently to keep the soil damp until the plants become established, then reduce to watering to whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Step 5: Add Trellis Supports

Install supports for your tomato plants when planting to prevent damage to the roots later on. Securely place stakes, cages, or trellises in the pot, ensuring they are tall enough to accommodate the mature height of the plant.

Caring for Container Tomato Plants

Container-grown tomatoes require a little care to ensure healthy growth and abundant harvests. Here are tips for caring for the plants:

Sunlight Requirements

Tomatoes thrive in full sun and require ample light to produce optimal yields. Place your containers in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Rotate the container periodically to ensure even exposure to sunlight on all sides of the plant. This promotes balanced growth and prevents the development of leggy or lopsided plants.

Watering Maintenance

Container-grown tomatoes need more frequent watering compared to plants in the ground, so it’s essential to monitor soil moisture regularly. Monitor and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Ensure proper drainage in your container and water only when necessary to maintain soil moisture levels.

Fertilize as Needed

Fertilize container-grown tomatoes regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit development. Choose an organic fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes or use a general-purpose fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K).

Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 2 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training tomato plants in containers helps maximize space and yield while improving air circulation and reducing disease risk.

Bush tomatoes, also called determinant tomatoes, won’t need pruning but will need your help training them to grow on the supports. Gently tie the main stem to the stakes using soft twine or garden clips. Guide the branches through the tomato cages as they grow ensuring they remain upright and well-supported.

Indeterminant tomatoes that grow tall vines will benefit from some pruning to keep the plants healthy. Remove suckers (the small shoots that form between the main stem and branches) regularly to encourage the plant to focus its energy on fruit production.

Disease and Pest Management

Container-grown tomatoes are susceptible to common pests and diseases. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation or disease, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, distorted growth, or spots on the foliage or fruit. Trim off yellowing leaves and damaged fruit and pick off any pests and drop them into a jar of soapy water.

Here are some resources to help you identify tomato fruit and leaf disorders, pests, and diseases:

Tomato Disorders: The University of Minnesota Extension
Quick guide to insects and diseases of tomatoes: The University of Minnesota Extension
Tomato Insect Pests: Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service

By providing proper sunlight, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management, you’ll ensure that your container tomato plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes.

Harvesting and Enjoying Tomatoes

Harvesting fresh tomatoes from your own homegrown container plants is one of the most rewarding experiences. Here’s how to know when your tomatoes are ready to harvest and some ideas for savoring the fruits of your labor:

Tips for Harvesting Tomatoes

Look for signs of ripeness to determine when your tomatoes are ready to harvest. Depending on the variety, ripe tomatoes may be red, yellow, orange, or even purple in color. Ripe tomatoes will turn from green to their final color and have vibrant color, firm texture, and a slight give when gently squeezed. Pick those that are almost ready and bring them indoors to ripen fully.

While picking vine-ripened tomatoes is something we all wish for, leaving fruit on the vine for too long can increase the risk of pest damage and spoilage. Tomatoes can continue ripening off the vine and develop the same delicious flavor as those left to ripen on the plant. I like to harvest partially ripe fruit and let it ripen fully on the kitchen counter rather than risk losing it to chipmunks, birds, or other pests.

When harvesting tomatoes, use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the tomatoes, as this can damage the plant and reduce future yields.

Harvest tomatoes regularly as they ripen to encourage continuous fruit production throughout the growing season. Don’t let tomatoes overripen on the vine, as they may become mealy or susceptible to pests and diseases.

Ideas for Enjoying the Harvest

Homegrown tomatoes are a culinary delight, bursting with flavor and freshness. They can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from classic salads and sandwiches to hearty soups, sauces, and salsas. Here are some ideas:

Slice ripe tomatoes and layer them with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant Caprese salad.
Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a savory topping for pasta, pizzas, or bruschetta.
Blend ripe tomatoes into a velvety tomato soup, seasoned with garlic, onions, and a splash of cream for added richness.
Preserve your tomato harvest by canning, freezing, or drying excess tomatoes to enjoy their flavor year-round. Make homemade tomato sauce, salsa, or sun-dried tomatoes to savor the taste of summer long after the growing season has ended.

By harvesting ripe tomatoes at their peak of flavor and finding creative ways to incorporate them into recipes, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the taste of homegrown goodness.

I hope this article has inspired you to give container gardening a try and that you will soon experience the delicious harvest of tomatoes from your own patio or deck. Growing tomatoes in containers offers a wealth of advantages, from space-saving convenience to improved soil quality and, of course, easy harvest right outside your door.