Container Growing
Growing tomatoes in containers has great advantages! The main advantage is for the container to be mobile, which allows for placement adjustment to maximize the sun exposure or to protect from wind, extreme sun and pests. The following steps will offer a path to successfully growing a harvest of heirloom tomatoes.
Step One: Selecting a container and soil
Select a container that is at least 14” in diameter with a drainage hole. The container can be either clay or plastic. When choosing a soil, select a high quality brand such as Malibu Compost or Black Magic. Ideally, the mix should contain compost, coco coir and perlite.
Step Two: Planting the Tomato
Plant in loose soil, leaving at least one inch between and the rim of the pot to the top of the soil. Do not pack the soil in tightly, the roots need space to grow.
Step Three: Selecting a Sunny Location
Tomatoes need 8 hours of sunlight to produce fruit. The plant may grow in less light but you may not grow any fruit. Keep in mind that as the days progress through the year the position of the sun can adjust such that your daylight hours can be lessened depending on the placement. Periodically, ensure that your tomato plant is receiving at least 8 hours per day. Preferably, full sun - all day long. In some areas, the heat and sun are so intense that tomatoes “burn up” due to extreme temperatures. We recommend using a 30% sunshade above the tomato, which does not inhibit the growth but reduces the area air temperature by up to 15 degrees. Note: A sunshade is only needed in sunny areas consistently reaching 90-100 degrees daily throughout the summer.
Step Four: Water & Fertilizing
Tomatoes need consistent watering. Choose a time of day and stick to that 2-3 hour window. Ideally, put your watering on an automated timer. They are inexpensive and can produce drastically different results if you have a busy schedule! Keeping tomatoes watered regularly is 50% of the success! Fertilize bi-weekly with an organic Fish & Kelp Emulsion; this is not a synthetic fertilizer and will not “burn” plants. Apply in the a.m. using a watering can. Tomatoes can absorb nutrients through their leaves.
