You can grow great tomatoes in pots. You do not need a big garden. All you need is a sunny spot and the right container.
Growing food in containers is very popular. Reports from 2024 show that tomatoes are the top choice for people who start a container garden. This guide gives you the direct steps to get it right.
Choose the Right Tomato Variety
Not all tomato plants are good for pots. You need to pick the right type. There are two main kinds of tomato plants.
Determinate (Bush) Tomatoes
These are the best choice for containers. Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed, compact size. They produce all of their fruit in a short period of a few weeks. Look for varieties labeled "patio," "dwarf," or "bush." They are bred for small spaces.
Indeterminate (Vining) Tomatoes
These plants keep growing and producing fruit all season until the frost kills them. They can get very large, over 6 feet tall. You can grow them in a pot, but you will need a very large container (15-20 gallons) and a very strong support cage. This is not a good choice for beginners.
Get the Right Pot
The size of your pot is the most important factor for success.
Pot Size is Critical
Tomatoes have big root systems. They also get very thirsty. A small pot will dry out too fast and stunt the plant's growth.
Use a pot that is at least 5 gallons in size. A 10-gallon pot is even better. This is not a suggestion; it is a requirement for a healthy plant. This is one of the most common gardening mistakes people make.
Drainage is Not Optional
Your pot must have drainage holes in the bottom. If water cannot escape, the roots will rot and the plant will die.
Use the Best Soil
Do not use soil from your yard. Garden soil is too heavy for pots. It gets compacted and prevents water and air from reaching the roots.
You need to use a high-quality potting mix. A good potting mix is lightweight and holds moisture while still allowing for good drainage. You can buy a bagged mix, or you can make your own potting mix to save money and control the ingredients. A mix with plenty of compost will give your tomatoes a good start.
How to Plant Your Tomato
Tomatoes have a unique ability that you should use when planting.
Plant It Deep
Tomatoes can grow roots all along their buried stems. This creates a bigger, stronger root system.
- Choose a healthy-looking seedling.
- Gently pinch off the lowest sets of leaves, leaving only the top few.
- Place the plant in the pot and fill it with your potting mix. Bury the stem right up to where the remaining leaves start.
- Water it well.
Add Support Now
Put your tomato cage or stake in the pot right after you plant. Adding it later can damage the roots. Your plant will need this support as it grows and becomes heavy with fruit.
Caring for Your Potted Tomatoes
Tomatoes in pots are heavy feeders and drinkers. They need consistent care.
Watering
Pots dry out fast, especially on hot days. You need to check the soil every day. Stick your finger one inch into the soil. If it feels dry, water the plant. Water thoroughly until you see it run out the bottom drainage holes. Inconsistent watering causes problems like blossom-end rot and cracked fruit.
Feeding
The constant watering that containers need also washes nutrients out of the soil. You need to replace them. As the University of Maryland Extension states, "Container plants are growing in a limited volume of soil and need to be fertilized on a more regular basis than garden-grown plants."
Start feeding your tomato plant about two weeks after planting. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Follow the directions on the label. Using an organic fertilizer is a good choice.
Sunshine
Tomatoes need a lot of sun. Place your pot in a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best size pot for a tomato plant?
A 5-gallon pot is the minimum size. A 10-gallon pot is better. Anything smaller will dry out too quickly and restrict root growth, resulting in a small, unhealthy plant.
How often should I water tomatoes in pots?
Check the soil every day. You will likely need to water daily during hot weather. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water deeply until it runs out the bottom.
Why are the leaves on my potted tomato plant turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of a watering problem (too much or too little) or a nutrient deficiency, most often nitrogen. Check your watering first. If the soil is not soggy or bone dry, the plant probably needs to be fertilized.
Do tomatoes grow better in pots or in the ground?
Tomatoes can grow well in both. The ground offers more room for roots and holds moisture longer. But pots give you complete control over the soil and are a great option if you don't have a garden bed.
What is the best fertilizer for tomatoes in containers?
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K). A fertilizer formulated for vegetables or tomatoes is a good choice. Start feeding a few weeks after planting and continue every 2-3 weeks.
Why are my tomatoes cracking?
Tomatoes crack when the plant gets a sudden, large amount of water after a dry period. The inside of the fruit grows faster than the skin can stretch. To prevent this, water your plants consistently.