5 tips for ... growing tomatoes in pots

5 tips for growing tomatoes in pots 

 

1. Choose the Right Container Size and Material (Bigger Is Better)

Tomatoes are deep-rooted plants and need generous space to produce abundant fruit. While small pots might keep the plant alive, they greatly limit growth and yield.

Why pot size matters

Large pots hold more soil, which:

• Retains moisture longer

• Supplies more nutrients

• Prevents root stress

• Reduces blossom-end rot

Guidelines

• Cherry tomatoes: minimum 3–5 gallons

• Bush/determinate types: 7–10 gallons

• Large indeterminate/vining types: 12–20 gallons

Materials

• Plastic or resin: keeps moisture longer

• Fabric grow bags: excellent drainage and air pruning

• Terracotta: looks great but dries out faster (water more often)

Make sure your pot has multiple drainage holes. Tomatoes hate sitting in water.

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2. Use Nutrient-Rich, Well-Draining Soil (Never Garden Soil)

Tomatoes in pots rely entirely on what you give them. Garden soil gets compacted and suffocates roots, so always use a high-quality potting mix built for containers.

Ideal mix

• 60% premium potting soil

• 20% compost for nutrients

• 20% coco coir or peat moss for moisture retention

• Add perlite or pumice if the mix feels heavy

Boosters at planting time

• 1 cup worm castings (slow release nutrients)

• 1–2 tablespoons bone meal (for strong roots and flowers)

• A handful of slow-release fertilizer pellets

A rich, airy soil foundation means stronger plants, deeper roots, and better fruit.

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3. Water Deeply and Consistently (The #1 Secret to Healthy Tomatoes)

Watering is the biggest challenge in container gardening. Pots dry out quickly, and inconsistent moisture leads to cracked fruit, blossom-end rot, and stunted growth.

How to water properly

• Water slowly and deeply until it drains from the bottom.

• Do not sprinkle lightly — tomatoes need deep saturation.

• Water every 1–2 days in hot weather, sometimes twice daily in small pots.

• Check the soil with your finger: water when the top 1–2 inches are dry.

Avoid problems

• Overwatering: yellow leaves, fungus gnats, moldy soil

• Underwatering: droopy leaves, tiny fruit, blossom drop

Pro tip:

Use mulch (straw, shredded leaves, wood chips) to keep the soil moist longer — a huge improvement for potted tomatoes.

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4. Feed Regularly — Tomatoes Are Heavy Feeders (Fertilizer Matters)

Tomatoes in pots consume nutrients quickly because the soil volume is limited. Fertilizing on a schedule keeps the plant productive and prevents yellowing leaves or weak growth.

What to use

• A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) early in the season

• A bloom/fruit fertilizer (higher potassium, like 4-6-8) once flowers appear

• Optional: compost tea, fish emulsion, kelp extract for organic boosts

Fertilizing schedule

• At planting: slow-release fertilizer + compost

• Every 10–14 days: liquid fertilizer

• During heavy fruiting: increase potassium for sweeter, larger tomatoes

Feeding consistently = more flowers, bigger fruit, and longer harvests.

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5. Give Proper Support and Sunlight (The Key to High Yields)

Tomatoes grown in pots still need strong support — even compact varieties. They also require full sun to thrive.

Support options

• Tomato cages

• Tall wooden stakes

• A trellis or string system for indeterminate types

Tie vines gently using soft ties or Velcro strips. Good support prevents broken branches and improves airflow, lowering disease risk.

Sunlight needs

• 6–8 hours MINIMUM, ideally 8–10 hours

• Place pots where they get morning sun and afternoon sun

• Rotate pots occasionally for even light exposure

If your area is extremely hot, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch.

OTHER SOURCES

Here are some tips for potted tomatoes. 

 1. Give them room. Most slicing tomatoes need a 5-gallon pot, though you can find cherry tomato plants that will do well in hanging baskets. Some varieties are specially bred to stay small enough for a tight container. Make sure the container has drainage holes. 

 2. Use good soil. In pots as in the ground, tomatoes need well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Gensch likes to add a little bit of lime to provide extra calcium (which helps prevent blossom end rot). Put a couple inches of gravel in the bottom to stabilize the pot, because when the fruit sets the plant will be top-heavy. And add stakes or a tomato cage for support when you plant. 

 3. Plant deep. Leave only the top two or three sets of leaves above the soil line. The part of the stem that is buried will sprout roots that help support and strengthen the plant. 

 4. Fertilize properly. Choose a fertilizer that is not heavy on nitrogen (which fosters leaves at the expense of flowers and fruit). Phosphorus (for roots) and potassium (for blooms) are more important. Whether the fertilizer is organic or not, the guaranteed analysis of major elements on the label should be even, such as 3-3-3, or higher on the last two numbers, such as 4-6-5. 

 5. Water regularly. Tomatoes need consistent moisture; swinging between extremes of wet and dry can do them in. Be prepared to water daily. Gensch says water-holding gels (sold in crystal form and mixed in the soil) are especially good for rooftop tomatoes.

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