Growing Container Tomatoes For Newbies
Growing your own tomatoes is a very rewarding pastime and will greatly improve your kitchen menu. Many people think this is only an option for people with large gardens or vegetable patches. I'm here to tell you that you couldn't be more wrong by showing you how growing container tomatoes is a solution to your space problems.
The Big Question:
The first important question to ask yourself before planting tomatoes is "Do I have a suitable space that receives at least 6 hours sunlight a day?" Even if you just have a small balcony, if it gets enough sunshine you are good to go!
Which Tomato Variety?:
Next we need to think about the type of plants you want to grow. If you are completely new and don't have much space I would advise you go with a smaller variety of plant. Some dwarf varieties that only grow to 2-3 feet are called "Patio Princess" and "Bush Big Boy". Your local garden center will be able to advise you further on what sizes to expect. If it is your first time out you will probably want to buy a seedling instead of planting from seed.
Setting Up Your Plant Containers:
You can plant your tomatoes in containers of all shapes and sizes from traditional clay pots to old paint buckets. Whatever container you choose the key thing to remember is that tomatoes like deep soil - at least 1 foot deep is ideal. I would recommend starting with a decent sized plastic plant pot - it looks quite attractive and is lighter and cheaper than the clay versions. A lighter pot will give you the option to move your plants around to maximize sunlight. You should fill your pot with a layer of gravel at the base and then with a compost mix.
Nurturing Your Plants:
As your plants grow up be sure to water them regularly - if the first inch of soil is dry it is time for a top-up. Every 3-4 weeks you should apply a layer of fertilizer to the soil. More experienced gardeners make their own compost from organic waste such as grass clippings and organic kitchen waste. If you are new you should buy a fertilizer mix from your garden center. It is easy to apply coming in liquid or granule form.
Sunlight, good soil, water and nutrients are all your tomato plant needs to thrive. Several weeks after planting you will start to see your tomatoes appear. Now when you need a tomato for your kitchen you can stroll onto your patio and pick a fresh homegrown one! If you produce more tomatoes than you can eat a good method of storing them so that they last longer is to put them in a paper bag and store them in a dark cupboard.
You can find more useful information on Growing Container Tomatoes successfully at my site www.growingtomatoanswers.com
The Big Question:
The first important question to ask yourself before planting tomatoes is "Do I have a suitable space that receives at least 6 hours sunlight a day?" Even if you just have a small balcony, if it gets enough sunshine you are good to go!
Which Tomato Variety?:
Next we need to think about the type of plants you want to grow. If you are completely new and don't have much space I would advise you go with a smaller variety of plant. Some dwarf varieties that only grow to 2-3 feet are called "Patio Princess" and "Bush Big Boy". Your local garden center will be able to advise you further on what sizes to expect. If it is your first time out you will probably want to buy a seedling instead of planting from seed.
Setting Up Your Plant Containers:
You can plant your tomatoes in containers of all shapes and sizes from traditional clay pots to old paint buckets. Whatever container you choose the key thing to remember is that tomatoes like deep soil - at least 1 foot deep is ideal. I would recommend starting with a decent sized plastic plant pot - it looks quite attractive and is lighter and cheaper than the clay versions. A lighter pot will give you the option to move your plants around to maximize sunlight. You should fill your pot with a layer of gravel at the base and then with a compost mix.
Nurturing Your Plants:
As your plants grow up be sure to water them regularly - if the first inch of soil is dry it is time for a top-up. Every 3-4 weeks you should apply a layer of fertilizer to the soil. More experienced gardeners make their own compost from organic waste such as grass clippings and organic kitchen waste. If you are new you should buy a fertilizer mix from your garden center. It is easy to apply coming in liquid or granule form.
Sunlight, good soil, water and nutrients are all your tomato plant needs to thrive. Several weeks after planting you will start to see your tomatoes appear. Now when you need a tomato for your kitchen you can stroll onto your patio and pick a fresh homegrown one! If you produce more tomatoes than you can eat a good method of storing them so that they last longer is to put them in a paper bag and store them in a dark cupboard.
You can find more useful information on Growing Container Tomatoes successfully at my site www.growingtomatoanswers.com
