How to Grow Tomatoes in Containers

1. Choose a sunny spot

Tomatoes need 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. A south- or west-facing balcony is ideal. Morning sun helps dry leaves and reduce disease, so prioritize a spot that gets light early.

2. Use a large container with drainage

A 5-gallon (19 L) pot is the minimum; 10 gallons is better for full-size plants. Never use a pot without drainage holes. Put it on feet or bricks so water can escape freely.

3. Fill with potting mix, not garden soil

Use a light potting mix designed for containers and mix in a few handfuls of compost. Garden soil compacts in pots and drains poorly. Leave an inch of space below the rim for watering.

4. Plant deeply and support early

Bury the seedling so two-thirds of the stem is underground; tomatoes grow roots along the buried stem. Install the cage or stake at planting time so you do not damage roots later.

5. Water deeply and consistently

Water until it runs out the bottom, then wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. In hot weather this may be daily; in mild weather, every two or three days. Aim for steady moisture, not a flood-and-drought cycle.

6. Mulch and feed

Spread two inches of straw or bark mulch to slow evaporation and keep soil off the leaves. Start fertilizing when the first flowers appear, following the label. Too much nitrogen gives you leaves instead of fruit.

7. Prune and inspect

For indeterminate varieties, pinch out small suckers between the main stem and branches to improve airflow. Check the undersides of leaves weekly for pests and remove damaged leaves promptly.

8. Harvest at the right time

Pick tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft, or let them ripen on the counter if birds are a problem. Harvest often — regular picking encourages more fruit.