The Best Types Of Tomato For Your Container Garden

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If you have dreams of a thriving container garden that produces bushels of tomatoes, there's one thing you need to know. Tomatoes come in determinate and indeterminate varieties, and your growing is limited to pots, or other small spaces, you should be focused on finding determinate varieties. These types of tomatoes — which come in many cultivars — grow to a predetermined height, while indeterminate varieties just keep growing until the frost comes. Indeterminate varieties can grow up to 15 feet long, making them a bit unruly for most containers. For comparison, determinate varieties tend to be somewhere between 2 and 5 feet tall.

There are other differences between these two types of tomatoes that gardeners should be aware of. The fruit of determinate varieties tend to mature within a couple of months rather than trickling in throughout the season. This may make them desirable for a variety of reasons beyond their ability to grow in pots. People who want to make sauce tend to like varieties where they are sure to get a big harvest all at once, while people who just want salad tomatoes might prefer indeterminate varieties. Whichever you choose, avoid these common transplanting mistakes when planting tomatoes.

Within the larger category of determinate tomatoes, there are some standouts that container gardeners will want to consider. When choosing the ones that are right for you, consider how big of a pot and what type of support they will need. Some of the taller varieties might need a tomato cage, while others only need a stake for extra support in windy conditions. There are many ways to support your tomato plants, so explore which options will work in your space.

'Patio' and 'Better Bush' are both dwarf varieties that will need at least a 10 inch pot. These will produce small to medium-sized fruit, but if you're looking for a cherry tomato, consider 'Husky Red,' which is another dwarf variety. There's also a familiar variety of tomato that grows well in containers. 'San Marzano' tomatoes are, perhaps, most famous for being great for sauce. However, these bush tomatoes grow well in containers, and can be used in a variety of ways. If you're looking for a larger tomato to replace those giant 'Beefsteaks,' consider growing 'Celebrity' in at least a 12 inch pot. These are just a few of the determinate varieties that make great container plants. Do a bit of research to find the ones that are right for you.

While there are many ways to grow tomatoes without a backyard, caring for plants in containers can present a few challenges. Thankfully, it's nothing you can't overcome. Start with the biggest container you can manage. Ideally, you would have an 18 inch pot for most determinate varieties. More soil typically means more access to water and nutrients, which is always a concern for container-grown plants. They dry out quickly and lose nutrients fast, so give your tomatoes as much soil as possible. While we're on the topic of soil, let's talk dirt. Add a bit of extra compost to your regular potting mix to help feed your tomatoes and hold more moisture.

You will still need to fertilize and water your tomatoes regularly. Using a product like Espoma Organic Tomato-Tone at planting and throughout the season will help prevent things like blossom end rot, which is common among container-grown tomatoes that don't get enough calcium. You will also need to check the soil regularly to ensure it stays evenly moist. Once your plants begin to grow, they may need daily watering during hot, dry summers. So, if the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water. Consider adding mulch to help keep moisture in.