How to Grow Potted Tomatoes

There is nothing better for your summertime meals than fresh tomatoes that you grew yourself. Unfortunately, not everyone has the space or the proper requirements (sun, drainage, etc.) to grow them in their backyard. It's reassuring to know that tomatoes can easily be grown in a container garden. These tomatoes are grown in pots and are very easy to grow and maintain throughout the summer. There are however, some very important things to keep in mind when you set out to grow your own tomatoes in a container. This article will give you all the information you need to get beautiful tomatoes on your table.

Because tomato seeds are so delicate, they need to be started indoors. This is to prevent the seeds from getting damaged due to night frost. The seeds need to be grown indoors for at least six weeks and they can then be transferred to large pots outside. Again, it is very important that they are not transferred outside until all the dangers of night frost have past. Depending on where you live, this is usually anywhere from the end of May to the first two weeks in June. To start growing your seeds indoors, there are just a couple of supplies you need: some peat pots or pellets, a tray to hold them, a spray water bottle and of course, the tomato seeds. I like to buy a tray that already has the peat pellets in it. If you are going this route, you just need to fill the tray with water until the pellets expand to about one inch thick. Then place one or two tomato seeds inside each pellet. I like to cover them up a little bit with some of the dirt from the pellet although they don't need very much. If you are not using peat pellets, simply fill some very small pots with peat soil and again, place one or two seeds inside each. With both methods, spray lightly with a water bottle after the seeds have been situated.

Now for the next six weeks, there is very little to do! Place your tray or your pots in an area indoors that is bright but does not receive direct sunlight. The seeds are still fragile and direct sunlight could burn them. Check on them periodically to ensure that they have enough water. To tell if they need water, simply check the soil and see if it feels dry to the touch. For the first three weeks or so, continue to use the spray bottle to lightly mist them. After that, you can use a watering can but be sure not to give them too much as this could drown the plants. Just water enough to ensure that the soil is wet, not soaking. If you have placed more than one seed in one pellet (or pot) only leave the stronger looking plant and take out the extra. If there are too many seeds in the same spot, both plants will be stunted and will not grow desirably.

When the six weeks have passed and it is safe to put your plants outdoors, there are a few more supplies that you will need: pots, topsoil, fertilizer and water and the tomato plants. An eleven-inch pot will hold one tomato plant. The plants will look very tiny when you first place them in the huge pots but keep in mind that these plants are going to be very big themselves and will need the room to grow. Fill these pots with topsoil, leaving about two inches from the top. Create a small hole in the center of the topsoil. Place your tomato plant approximately one inch into the hole and cover the root up (this will cover up the soil you used when growing your plants indoors.) Next, mix the fertilizer if it does not come pre-mixed. I like to use a product such as Miracle Grow. Make sure that when you are mixing, you follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly! Pour this over the topsoil surrounding the plant. All that is left to do now is find a nice sunny spot for the plants in your backyard or on your patio. Tomatoes need a lot of sunlight so find the brightest spot you have!

That is all that is required to grow your own potted tomatoes. Maintaining your plants is even easier. When the plants look "thirsty" or the soil feels dry, make sure you water them. I like to give them a good soak once they are in the pots outside as the summer sun will dry that water up very quickly! Fertilizer should continue to be used about every two weeks. In no time at all you will have beautiful, lush tomatoes being served at your dinner table!