Growing tomatoes in containers is almost always an adventure. It can be incredibly rewarding or flat-out disastrous. Epic failures can happen for reasons you can’t control, like tomato blight or a summer that is too wet or cold. But if you don’t do these common mistakes when growing tomatoes in pots, you will have a much better chance of getting a bumper crop.
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. With their versatility great taste and health benefits, it’s no wonder why so many gardeners dedicate a portion of their outdoor space for growing tomatoes.
When it comes to cultivating tomatoes, gardeners essentially have two options – growing them in pots/containers or directly in the ground. But which method leads to better results?
Below we’ll examine the key differences, pros and cons of growing tomatoes in pots vs in the ground.
Growing Tomatoes in Pots
Container gardening has exploded in popularity in recent years. In addition to tomatoes, gardeners are growing all sorts of edibles and ornamentals in pots on patios, balconies, and any other space where there is sun exposure.
Here are some of the main benefits of planting your tomatoes in containers
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PORTABILITY – Pots can be easily moved to take advantage of the best sun exposure or to keep plants safe from harsh weather. During hot spells containers can be shifted into dappled shade.
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SOIL QUALITY – Garden soil from planting beds tends to be too heavy for containers as it will over-compact. It may also harbor diseases and pests that can damage tomato plants. Pots enable you to provide an optimal growing medium.
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DRAINAGE – With the right potting mix, containers allow for excellent drainage. Tomatoes need consistent moisture but soggy soil leads to problems.
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EARLIER HARVEST – The soil in pots warms up quicker in spring, promoting faster growth and fruit maturity.
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HEIGHT – Pots keep sprawling indeterminate tomato varieties contained to a manageable size.
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LESS DISEASE – Separating plants prevents sharing of soil diseases. Blight is less likely to spread.
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FLEXIBILITY – You can move potted tomatoes into a greenhouse or sunny window over winter in cold climates.
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AESTHETICS – Pots allow creativity in terms of colors, shapes, arrangements and integration into your overall garden design.
Growing Tomatoes in the Ground
While container gardening is trendy, the good old fashioned method of planting directly in garden soil still has its merits when it comes to tomatoes. Here are some of the benefits of in-ground planting:
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ROOT GROWTH – Tomatoes grown in garden beds have unlimited root space allowing them to become well established. A robust root system means they are less dependent on frequent watering.
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HIGHER YIELDS – The extensive root networks of in-ground plants equate to greater access to water and nutrients. This results in plants that grow larger and produce heavier tomato harvests.
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TALL VARIETIES – Indeterminate tomatoes that can reach 10 feet or more only have a chance of realizing their full towering height potential when planted in garden beds, not containers.
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FERILIZER NEEDS – When planted in beds enriched with compost and fertilizers, tomatoes have a constant source of nutrients all season long. Container plants depend on you to provide regular feeding.
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MICROCLIMATE – The surrounding soil helps minimize temperature fluctuations, keeping tomatoes happy.
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MULCHING – Mulch placed around in-ground plants suppresses weeds, retains moisture and keeps soil evenly moist. Achieving consistent moisture is more difficult in containers.
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SPACE EFFICIENCY – Tomatoes planted in beds make better use of the square footage you dedicate to vegetable gardening. Pots take up ground space that could otherwise be allocated to additional plants.
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COST SAVINGS – When grown directly in enriched garden soil, tomatoes require no money to be spent on potting mixes, containers, fertilizers, etc.
Key Considerations for Pots vs In-Ground
Below are some other factors to keep in mind when deciding between containers and garden beds for your tomatoes:
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Tomato variety – Compact determinate types are better suited for pots than giant indeterminate heirlooms.
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Available space – If you only have room for a few plants on a balcony, containers are your only option.
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Soil quality – Tomatoes thrive in nutrient-rich soil. If your beds lack organic matter, pots with potting mix have an advantage.
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Mobility needs – Pots are essential for anyone wanting to easily move tomatoes as needed.
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Planting time – In cooler climates, containers allow setting tomatoes out 4-6 weeks before the last frost since they warm up quicker.
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Irrigation – Tomatoes in pots will need more frequent watering and feeding compared to in-ground plants.
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Root competition – Tomatoes planted in beds compete for water and nutrients with other surrounding plants. With containers, they have exclusive access to the limited root zone.
Best Practices for Growing Tomatoes
To maximize success when cultivating tomatoes, whether in containers or garden beds, some recommended practices include:
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Select varieties best suited for your gardening situation. Compact determinate types for pots, tall indeterminate for garden beds.
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Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure.
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Use cages, stakes or trellises to support plants, especially indeterminate varieties.
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Water 1-2 inches per week. Avoid overhead watering late in day which wets foliage.
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Side dress with an organic nitrogen fertilizer when plants start flowering.
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Use mulch around in-ground tomatoes to moderate soil temperature and moisture.
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Prune lower foliage and “suckers” to improve air circulation and reduce risk of soil diseases.
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Monitor for common pests like hornworms and use organic remedies when found.
Final Thoughts
Growing tomatoes in containers and raised beds both have their merits and disadvantages. Gardeners wanting maximum yields from a dedicated tomato patch should opt for in-ground planting. Those with limited space or needing mobility can still reap a bountiful harvest from potted tomatoes.
With a little effort to provide proper sunlight, water, nutrition and variety selection, you can successfully cultivate tomatoes regardless of whether you choose pots or the ground. The most important thing is to make sure your plants receive consistent care tailored to the method you choose.
Too Much Water
Watering your tomato plants properly is the key to tomato success. If the plants don’t get enough water, the blossom end rot that turns tomatoes black on the bottom can happen. Inconsistent watering can also cause blossom end rot, split tomatoes, and stressed plants. It’s very important for tomato plants to have consistently moist soil, but not wet. This is hardest to do if you are using regular pots instead of self-watering ones.
Before you water, check soil moisture first. To do this, dig your finger into the ground about an inch or two, or until it hits your second knuckle. Add water if the soil feels dry to the touch at your fingertip. Another method to check moisture is to pick up the pot. If its weight feels unusually light (or top heavy) for its size, moisture content could be low.
Don’t forget about drainage. The pot should have holes in the bottom so that water can escape. Pot feet are also a good idea if the pot is located on a patio or non-porous surface. Make sure that the water gets to the roots near the bottom of the pot by adding water until it drains out of the bottom. A grow box or other container that water itself is another great way to keep water levels in check. You may want to try the Earthbox or the GrowBox brands.
Too Chilly
Along with lots of sunlight, tomatoes like warm temperatures. Tomatoes are not frost-tolerant. Even though planting tomatoes early might make you feel like you’re ahead of the season, they won’t do well until the weather stays warm. If you want to get ahead of the season, you can either put your tomatoes on carts and wagons and move them in and out of a closed space (like a garage) until the weather gets warmer, or you can cover them with plastic when it’s cold. If going this route, dont forget to harden off your seedlings.
How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers, Pots or Buckets. Container Gardening.
FAQ
Do plants grow better in the ground or in pots?
How deep do containers need to be for tomatoes?
What is the best container for growing tomatoes?
Do tomatoes in pots like full sun?
Should you grow tomatoes in pots vs ground?
If you’re trying to decide between growing tomatoes in pots vs the ground, there are definitely advantages to using containers. The main one is that you can put them anywhere. If you have a shady yard, it allows you to maximize any sunny spots, whether that’s a patio, porch, balcony, or even your driveway.
Can Tomato plants grow in containers?
And the larger indeterminate tomato plants thrive when they get at least a 6-gallon to 8-gallon pot or grow bag. Tomato plants growing in containers need to be watered more frequently than tomato plants growing directly in the soil. Dry soil in a tomato plant’s container threatens to do more than dehydrate the plant.
How many tomato plants can you grow in a pot?
It’s important to only grow one tomato plant per pot, no matter how large it seems when they’re still small. They develop large, spreading roots that are nutrient and water-hungry. Having competing plants in one container will stunt them and make them both poor producers. Related Post: How To Can Cherry Tomatoes
What happens if a tomato plant grows in a container garden?
Dry soil in a tomato plant’s container threatens to do more than dehydrate the plant. Tomato plants growing in dry soil will become stressed and are at risk for many different diseases, and they may even die. This is one reason that tomato plants growing in container gardens are susceptible to blossom end rot.