May 30, 2014

I thought I had finished with the series of posts on growing tomatoes but then found an unfinished draft on growing tomatoes in containers. 

Not everyone has a plot of ground to grow veggies but if you have a balcony, patio or porch that gets at least six hours of sun daily you can probably grow tomatoes.

Here are two links on the subject from tomato experts. The first, from Steve Alpert at Harvest to Table is the quick and dirty on the subject. Also check his post Tomatoes for Small Spaces for recommended varieties. I’d add Stupice to his list which is the tomato pictured above and below.

Steve offers several options for soil for containers. My personal favorite (which tomatoes I’ve grown in pots seem to thrive on) is equal parts homemade compost and a high quality organic potting mix. Don’t skimp on the latter and expect to fertilize tomatoes regularly when grown in containers. 

Tomato Dirt starts out with similar basic information but then has fourteen additional links on subjects such as tomato bags and other container options, fertilization and tomato pests. Definitely more information than a person needs to get started.

So if you don’t have a garden but you have sun and a little time, grow a tomato in a container. Even a cherry tomato plant. You’ll be glad you did.

Photo credit: Renee’s Garden, first two photos of Stupice, used with permission.