Benedict T. Palen, Jr - Tips On How To Grow Tomatoes In The Pots

Tomatoes should be set thirty to forty eight inches apart in a row with the rows spaced forty eight inches apart. It is very tempting to put tomatoes closer at planting time, but if you get them too close you will only augment the chance of disease. Growing tomatoes in pots levels the home garden playing field, bringing a harvest of homegrown 'maters within reach for almost anyone, irrespective of real estate. That is because you can grow tomatoes in pots just about anywhere you have a sunny spot, whether it is on a driveway, deck, rooftop, balcony, fire escape, or somewhere else.

Here are few tips to follow when it comes to growing tomatoes in pots:

Place pots where they will get at least six hours of sun. If pots are not near a water source, make sure you can get a garden hose to them as tomatoes need stable moisture supply. Group pots together, but not so close that leaves rub against each other. Grouping pots assists shade the root zones of the plants in the inner pots, which can be supportive when plants are sitting on asphalt or concrete driveway, both of which absorb and replicate heat. Those seedlings may look little now, but a full-grown tomato plant requires a lot of space for a strong root system. For maximum production, the perfect pot size is 18-inch to 24-inch in diameter. When using a fabric pot or other type sold by volume, aim for 20 gallons. It is fine to use a smaller container, such as a 5-gallon bucket or 10-gallon container. Also, it is important to note that tomatoes in smaller pots need more feeding and watering. All containers need drainage holes, so ensure to drill holes in the pot if none are present. Insert a support when you plant each tomato, as doing so afterward may upset the growing roots. A conventional tomato cage or stake works perfect for determinate types. When planting tomatoes in pots, keep the soil at least one inch under the pot rim, so you can add a layer of mulch to help keep soil damp. You can use mulch materials, such as shredded bark, straw, newspaper, or chopped leaves. Paper decomposes fast, particularly in hottest regions, so plan to refresh the layer as needed during the growing season. Proper watering is crucial to success for developing tomatoes in pots. Keep soil moist consistently, but not saturated. Put a saucer under each pot to catch water that runs through the soil, so plants can soak up that additional moisture over the course of a hot day.

Follow these simple tips and it would not be long before you will be reaping the rewards in the form of fleshy, juicy tomatoes — no traditional garden space needed!

Benedict T. Palen, Jr.,has three decades of knowledge working in management, operations, and agriculturalinvestments. Right now, Benedict T.Palen, Jr., serves as co-proprietor and manager for Great Plains Farms,LLC, administering all from the appraisal of farmland to offering proposal on operatortraining and irrigation development.