Archive for the ‘Tips and Trick’ Category
Growing Tomatoes in pots
August 31st, 2011 | 
Author: Growing Tomatoes in pots is wonderful way to produce big, juicy, succulent tomatoes is by growing them in pots. This is also a great way to introduce gardening to your children, or grandchildren. Because toms are relatively fast-growing, and it’s easy to see how everything is done and how the Growing Tomatoes in pots are progressing, kids can become quite enthralled at witnessing the results of their own gardening efforts.
What is a tomato? Most think it’s a veggie when, in fact, it’s a fruit.
A wide variety of tomatoes can be grown in pots and containers. I’ve grown them in the ground and in containers and have had success in both. They’re pretty easy raise.
What Tomatoes suit containers? Enquire at your local nursery. And you’ll need to, because there are new varieties coming out every year!
It really comes to down to options based on where you live. The principles presented here refer to both forms of gardening, but our emphasis in this page is on “growing tomatoes in pots”.
So let’s get to it!
Growing Tomatoes In Pots
Growing Tomatoes in Pots and Where?
‘Growing tomatoes in pots and where?” Let’s assume you have a small place with full sun or a few hours of morning sun. For growing tomatoes this is fine. Two things tomatoes do dislike, though, are strong winds and a really hot afternoon sun. If you can’t avoid wind, try the Cherry Tomato variety: Tiny Tim. Tiny Tims are nearly invincible!
If you have a veranda that is prone to strong winds, you may need some form of protective barrier such as a half-greenhouse half-shade house. The roof and half the sides should be covered with a see-through plastic and the rest with high-level light shade cloth. If you do choose this option, I recommend inquiring at a nursery or shop that supplies greenhouses.
Full sun is always preferable. Morning sun is great, provided there’s enough of it. But you can successfully grow tomatoes in pots in a minimum of four hours sunlight.
growing tomatoes in pots tips
(Long lanky seedlings can be buried deeper into the potting mix. All the hairs that you see on the plant’s stem can become roots, because tomatoes in their natural environment can layer, and grow along the ground!) So, just plant them deeper.
1. Your seedlings have now reached into their fourth leaf and are ready to grow into larger containers?
2. Replant your tomatoes on cool day or afternoon away from strong light and wind.
3. Water your seedlings until nice and wet. Don’t drown them though!
4. Place two to three seedlings in each container. The strongest one is kept, with weaker pulled out later or potted into another container.
5. Why? Because Tom’s just love to grow together and provide warmth and a mini micro climate!
6. First fill your pot to approximately half full.
7. Grab your seedling keeping as much soil on the roots as possible. Don’t shake off all the potting mixture!
8. Keep the root nice and straight and place into the container. Then fill the pot while holding the plant, covering the roots.
9. Now, fill in around the plant, keep the first set of leaves just above the soil line.
10. Water the container until the water is flowing freely.
11. Place in a warm position away from direct sunlight for a day until the plant has settled, then introduce back in to the sun.
12. Make sure the warm sunny position you have chosen is in a protected spot away from strong winds.
13. Test for moisture in your container daily by dipping your finger into the soil. The soil should be moist and not damp.
14. If you intend to go away for a short period use a homemade water container to keep your tomatoes watered. Just fill up the bottle, turn it upside down and stick the spout into ground.
I hope you enjoyed my article growing tomatoes in pots. Remember don’t over fertilise at the beginning!
Happy Gardening,
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