![]() Proper watering is the key to success when it comes to growing tomatoes in pots. Don’t assume that just because the water drains right away on the first watering that the soil is soaked through. It takes a surprisingly large amount of water (at least a gallon, from my experience) to fully saturate the soil the first time. ![]() I usually water the plant in, wait about 10 minutes, water again, wait 10 minutes again, and repeat until water runs freely out the bottom of the pot. Water the root zone thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need ample nutrients to produce well and long into the season.īefore putting the tomato transplant in its final planting hole, add the following amendments to the soil and stir them around a bit: Spread about 3 to 4 inches of potting soil on the bottom of your container, then continue with Step 5. You can also make your own potting mix with only three ingredients. I recommend using a high-quality premium potting soil or potting mix like this one, and try to avoid reusing potting soil from past seasons if your plants had pests or diseases. The topsoil from your garden (as well as any commercially bagged mix labeled as “raised bed soil” or “garden soil”) is generally too dense for potted plants, and it increases the risk of your tomato plant picking up a soil-borne disease that’s otherwise easily preventable. Plants in containers need a good combination of breathability, absorption, and moisture retention. Not only will the saucer protect your deck or patio from standing moisture, it will allow your plant to absorb any excess water over the course of a hot day. Whichever kind of container you use, be sure to place a heavy-duty saucer (I use this one) underneath before you load it up, and have it placed exactly where you want it-it’ll be very heavy to move later on. You can wrap or cover plastic pots with shade cloth, canvas, or towels to insulate against the heat (office binder clips work great for securing them), as well as try to keep them off heat-retaining surfaces like concrete. On the flip side, black plastic pots may get too hot in the peak of summer, so they need to be shaded to prevent the rootball from overheating. They hold heat in and keep roots warm in late spring to early summer, when tomato transplants are most susceptible to temperature swings. In cooler climates, however, black plastic pots do serve a practical function. The permeability of fabric pots also helps to promote proper drainage of excess water and improve oxygenation to the roots (which maximizes the plant’s metabolic performance and, in turn, boosts crop yields). Right: Air pruned roots from a fabric pot. Left: Rootbound plant from a plastic pot. Read more: Best Grow Bags for Your Gardenīecause growth is well distributed throughout the soil volume (and not just on the edges of the pot), the dense network of branched roots is able to increase the plant’s uptake of water, utilize all available nutrients, and aid in its natural defenses. Instead, they branch off and form new, shorter, fibrous feeder roots. This exposure “burns off” the tips of the roots, which stops them from growing long and spindly. Roots in fabric pots, on the other hand, are exposed to air as they grow. When the roots in plastic pots grow long enough to hit the sides of the pot, they continue to grow round and round in a constricted pattern (spiraling, kinking, and twisting around themselves), eventually becoming rootbound. The effects of air pruning in breathable fabric pots are best seen when compared side by side with plants contained in non-porous plastic pots. Choose the right type of tomato.ĭeterminate types (also called bush, compact, or patio plants) are usually the best tomato plants for containers, as they grow to a predetermined size-no more than 3 to 4 feet tall-and set flowers and fruits all at once, making them reliable and predictable in tight quarters.įabric pots are beneficial for plants with extensive root systems because they naturally “air prune” the roots. If you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission. ![]() Then, follow my tested-and-true tips below to learn how you can maximize the minimal space you have and cultivate healthy, vigorous tomato plants in your small-space container garden! Disclosure: All products on this page are independently selected. (If your yard is shadier than you’d like, here are a few options for tomatoes that can grow in shade.) The key to being wildly successful with growing tomatoes in pots is proper planning.įirst, make sure you choose a location with at least 8 to 10 hours of sun (6 hours is the bare minimum, but more is much better). ![]() So what’s the first thing you need to know? How to successfully grow tomatoes in containers ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |