Back to the Roots Tomato Planter Instructions – A Complete Setup and Care Guide

Back to the Roots makes it easy to grow cherry tomatoes right on your windowsill with their Organic Cherry Tomato Windowsill Planter kit. This complete set contains everything you need to grow tomatoes at home. For the best results, follow the instructions included with your kit and provide the proper care.

Back to the Roots Tomato Planter Components

The Windowsill Tomato Planter kit contains

  • Large 64oz glass mason jar – Lets you view roots and soil moisture
  • Custom organic potting mix – Nutrient-rich to grow tomatoes
  • 2 organic fertilizer spikes – For feeding at key growth stages
  • Organic cherry tomato seeds – A dwarf variety perfect for containers
  • Growing guide – Provides complete instructions

The glass jar not only looks great but makes it easy to gauge soil moisture. The potting mix and fertilizer spikes provide optimal nutrition without needing to transplant or add anything else. The dwarf tomato variety is bred to thrive in the planter size. Everything is organic and designed for home growing success.

Setting Up Your Back to the Roots Tomato Planter

Follow these steps to set up your tomato planter:

  1. Choose a location in full sun, ideally a south window. Tomatoes need 8+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

  2. Add water to the potting mix to lightly moisten before planting seeds.

  3. Plant 4-6 seeds evenly spaced around the inside of the jar near the top of the soil. Seeds should be pushed 1⁄4 inch into the mix.

  4. Place the lid on the jar and keep the soil moist.

  5. In about 5-10 days, seedlings will emerge. Remove lid once seedlings appear.

  6. When plants are 3 inches tall, thin to 3 seedlings total. At 5 inches tall, thin to 1 strongest tomato plant.

Proper spacing for seeds, consistent moisture, and warming sun are vital for good germination and vigorous seedlings. The tomato plant will soon start growing quickly in its jar.

Ongoing Care for Container Tomatoes

Once your tomato plant is established, here are the care guidelines:

  • Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Check soil through the glass jar.

  • Tomato plants need 1 inch of water per week. Water thoroughly until it drips out drainage holes.

  • Insert one fertilizer spike into the soil when flowers appear. Add the second spike once fruits begin to form.

  • Prune off any dead or dying leaves and stems as needed.

  • Pinch off the top inch of stems once the plant reaches 6 inches below the jar rim to encourage branching and fruiting.

  • Harvest ripe cherry tomatoes when fully red!

Monitor soil moisture, fertilize at key stages, and prune selectively for best growth and yield of sweet tomatoes. Enjoy harvesting and eating fresh tomatoes grown right at home!

Troubleshooting Common Tomato Growing Problems

Here are some solutions for potential issues that may arise:

  • Yellow leaves – Often a sign of overwatering or under-watering. Adjust frequency based on soil moisture.

  • Leggy growth – Plants need more sunlight. Move to better location or use grow lights to supplement sun.

  • Flowers but no fruit – Agitate plant stems gently to pollinate flowers. Add fertilizer spike.

  • Slow growth – Ensure adequate sun and proper watering. Use a complete organic fertilizer.

  • Pale plants/stunted plants – Likely due to insufficient sunlight. Move planter or use grow light.

Adjusting growing conditions and fixing issues promptly will keep your tomato plant healthy and productive!

Tips for Maximizing Tomato Planter Success

Follow these tips for best results with the Back to the Roots Windowsill Tomato Planter:

  • Place in south-facing window for at least 8 hours of sun daily

  • Use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight if needed

  • Monitor soil moisture and don’t let mix totally dry out

  • Water deeply until it drains from bottom when top few inches are dry

  • Thin seedlings for 1 strong plant with proper spacing

  • Pinch off new suckers to encourage fruiting, not leafy growth

  • Add fertilizer spikes at first flower and fruit stages

  • Prune away any dead leaves or stems

  • Harvest ripe red tomatoes promptly for peak flavor

With the right care and conditions, you can grow abundant tomatoes in these planters!

The complete tomato growing kit from Back to the Roots makes it fun and easy to cultivate tomatoes indoors. Follow the simple setup, care, and troubleshooting tips outlined here. Ensure ample sunlight, limit moisture stress, fertilize properly, and harvest ripe fruits promptly. With just a bit of effort, you’ll be rewarding with homegrown cherry tomatoes from your windowsill planter.

Back to the Roots Windowsill Tomato Planter Unboxing and Seed Starting Tutorial

FAQ

How much room do tomato plant roots need?

A general recommendation is to place tomato plants about 18-24 inches apart, but plant spacing actually depends a lot on the type of tomato variety you’re planting. Research the variety or follow spacing guidelines on the seed packet or plant tag.

What month do you plant tomato seeds?

Aim to start tomato seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your last frost date. So if your expected last frost date is May 10, for example, count back at least six weeks to March 29 as the day you need to get your tomato seeds planted.

What is the best tomato plant for a 5 gallon bucket?

It’s fine to use a smaller container, like a 5-gallon bucket or 10-gallon container, but for best results, stick with the smaller patio- or bush-type tomatoes (such as Better Bush, Bush Goliath, or Patio). Know, too, that tomatoes in smaller pots require more watering and feeding.

How do you plant tomato roots?

Dig a hole that is about 2/3 the height of the plant, including the root ball. If desired, pinch or snip off the branches on the portion to be buried. This can make burying the plant easier, but it isn’t necessary.

What is a back to the roots organic cherry tomato planter?

The Back to the Roots Organic Cherry Tomato Windowsill Planter is a complete Mason jar grow kit that includes a custom soil blend and fertilizer to give your plant all the nutrients it needs. As with all Back to the Roots products, it’s 100% organic and non-GMO, and you don’t even have to transplant it.

How do I start sprinkling tomato seeds everywhere?

Before you start sprinkling tomato seeds everywhere, there are a few things you need. Your seed starting kit should include: Organic tomato seeds (duh!) Organic potting soil or seed starting mix: Avoid using garden soil when seed starting as it may contain harmful pathogens or lack essential plant nutrients.

Should you start a tomato plant from seed?

Plus, if you plan to grow organic tomatoes, seed starting makes it much easier to control the elements involved in the plant growth. You can select high-quality organic potting soil or seed starting mix as well as organic tomato seeds, which make all the difference.

How do you keep a tomato plant upright?

Tomato cages, trellises, or stakes all work efficiently in keeping your tomatoes upright. Just make sure you loosely tie the main stem to the structure to accompany the plant’s growth. Set up these support structures as soon as you plant tomato species to avoid disturbing or damaging their roots later on.

Leave a Comment