Some good advantages about growing tomato plants in pots is that the pesky wild critters have left them alone. The tomatoes will be left alone to grow their fruit and there are no insects flying around trying to kill them off. If this is happening to you during the colder months of the year then container gardening can be a great option for you. This way you can grow your tomatoes in a protected and warmer environment. Not to mention that you won’t have to deal with the insects and mice that get into your tomato crops that might destroy your whole harvest.
Another advantage to container growing is that you don’t have to wait for the plants to become established before you can start harvesting from them. You can simply put the seedlings in a small container and move them around as needed. Some of the seedlings won’t do well in full sun because they won’t receive enough of the rays needed to help them grow. They will do better in shaded areas or with indirect lighting at night.
While container gardening is very convenient and easy, you still have to pay attention to how the plants are being taken care of. There are some differences between indoor growing and outdoor garden growing. The container doesn’t provide any protection from the weather or the elements like an outdoor garden does. So you have to be more careful with how you treat your seedlings.
First you have to give them the right amount of light. Most tomato plants won’t do well without about six hours of direct sunlight a day. Be careful though, as some varieties of tomatoes can have trouble growing in even just four or five hours of light without becoming too heavy. Also consider the area where the plants are placed. If it gets too hot or dry, you may need to add extra water or consider draining the soil a bit so that the plant gets proper moisture without getting over-watered.
Soil preparation is another key factor to remember when planting plants grown in pots. A soil that is rich in nutrients will help the plants to grow properly. If you don’t have good soil there will be deficiencies in the plant’s immune system and it can suffer from disease. A soil that is rich in organic matter helps to make the soil more alkaline. This is why fertilizers are often added to it. Soil that is not properly prepared will need additional fertilizer to bring it up to a healthy level.
Watering is also an issue when you are growing plants in garden containers. Watering is harder to do in a smaller space. This is especially true if you have limited root space. Try and keep the soil damp during droughts and avoid filling the soil too much with water. When the weather is dry, water the plants just slightly and allow the soil to drain well before replanting next year.
Planting tomato seeds into the garden is also a step that needs to be taken. It is best to choose a larger variety than the plant that will produce the best tomatoes. That is why you should do some research before you start planting. You can buy garden seeds at your local garden center, farm supplies or order them online. Most stores offer excellent customer service and will advise you what to expect before you plant.
Planting the seeds right before spring is important for their growth. The plants will likely be in a dormant state until the temperatures start to rise again in the fall. Tomatoes are very fragile plants and they need constant protection from harsh weather conditions. Once you have decided on which variety of tomato you want to grow in a container, follow the directions carefully when you plant it. Water the seedlings well in the morning and keep the soil moist until nighttime, when you can move the seedlings outdoors.