subject: A Guide To Growing Tomatoes In Pots [print this page] Tomato plants have always been a favorite among vegetable gardening hobbyists and this seems like a universal trend. What makes planting tomatoes so attractive to vegetable gardeners? Perhaps, it is the ease of planting tomatoes that is attractive. Besides, the bright color of the tomatoes could be a draw too. Most people would agree that bright colors always look cheerful and brighten up our day. In case you are not aware, tomatoes come in many shades of colors - yellow, green, red, white and even purple!
If you love salads, it would be a wonderful idea to plant your own tomatoes so they can be available round the year. It does not matter if you live in an apartment. Tomatoes can be planted in containers and pots too. In this article, we will share some gardening advice and what it takes to getting started in growing tomatoes in pots.
Tips for growing tomatoes in pots
First, decide on the variety of tomato you want to plant. The dwarf varieties by and large grow better in containers. But, if you want to grow full-size tomatoes, get the determinate variety, which is more compact and manageable.
Here are the items you need to buy to get started with growing tomatoes in pots:
1. Container / pots
2. Tomato plant
3. Gravel
4. Potting soil
5. Fertilizer
6. Compost
Choosing a container
Bigger pots are recommended for growing tomatoes because the roots of the tomato plant grow wide. Generous space is required for the tomato plant to develop a strong and healthy root system. As a rule of thumb, you should get pots with diameter of at least 12 cm. Furthermore, you need to check for ample drainage holes on the pot to make certain adequate drainage for your plants.
Planting your tomato plant
Before you load the pot with soil potting mix, fill it with a few inches of gravel first to help promote drainage. Next, add the potting soil till it covers about half of the pot. Place your tomato plant inside and cover with the rest of the soil and fertilizers. Leave behind about 2 inches from the edge of the pot for putting compost.
Complete with adding the compost over the soil. Perlite can be added to the compost to assist in moisture and air retention, which helps in root development. Add fertilizers once every 2-4 weeks.
Place your tomato plant at a location where it is able to get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Water your tomato plant frequently since they need an inch of water per week. Lack of water will result in your tomatoes having split or cracked skin. It can also cause blossom-end rotting if there is a lack of water. Take note to water your tomato plant from below; you can put your pots on a saucer or tray.
If you want to provide growing supports for your tomato plants, do it at the planting stage when the roots will not be distressed. You can either place a cage or poles to support the plant and maintain cleanliness of the fruits.
Conclusion
Growing tomatoes in pots is interesting and rewarding in terms of the harvest and nutritional benefits. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Tomatoes are also good sources of phytochemicals, fiber, vitamins A, B and C. So, why are you still waiting? Start growing your tomatoes today and reap the wonderful benefits of tomatoes!
