Growing tomatoes in containers is easier than you may think—and it’s a great option if you’re growing on a small patio, a balcony, or just want to keep things easily accessible. With the right setup, you can enjoy delicious homegrown tomatoes even if you don’t have a big garden space.
Here's everything you need to get started, from choosing the right variety to harvesting those juicy red fruits.
1. Where to Grow Tomatoes In Containers
Tomatoes love the sun. They need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day to produce lots of fruit. A south-facing spot usually does the trick. If you’re gardening in a hot climate, try to give your plants a bit of shade in the late afternoon or place your containers on something cooler than bare concrete.
2. Pick the Right Tomato for Your Goals
Tomatoes come in two types: indeterminate (vining) and determinate (bush).
- Vining tomatoes grow tall and keep producing all summer. They need bigger containers and sturdy support, but you'll be rewarded with a long harvest.
- Bush tomatoes grow to a set height and produce most of their fruit all at once. They’re tidy and compact—perfect for smaller containers or gardeners who prefer a shorter season.
Best Tomato Varieties for Containers
3. Pick the Right Container Size for Tomatoes
Tomatoes are deep-rooted and need space to stretch out. Here’s what to look for:
- Size: At least 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep
- Soil volume: 15 to 20 gallons per plant is ideal, 5 gallons minimum
- Drainage: Make sure your container has holes so excess water can drain out
- Material:
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Plastic holds moisture well and is lightweight.
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Fabric growing bags promote airflow and prevent overwatering.
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Clay pots are classic but can dry out quickly and are heavier to move.
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Bigger containers are better for keeping soil moisture consistent. Consistent moisture means healthier plants and more tomatoes. If your plant gets too big for the container, leave it in place and make sure it has strong support (a stake or cage), prune lightly to manage the size, and continue watering and feeding. For future seasons, go with a larger container or a more compact variety.
4. Use a Quality Potting Mix for Container Gardens
Don’t use garden soil in containers because it compacts easily and can cause diseases. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix designed for vegetables. Look for a blend that includes:
- Peat moss or coconut coir (for moisture retention)
- Compost (for nutrients)
- Perlite or vermiculite (for drainage and aeration)
This kind of mix gives roots the air and moisture they need to grow their best.
5. How to Plant Conatiner Tomatoes
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date then transplant your seedlings once the danger of frost has passed. When planting:
- Bury the stem deep—tomatoes grow roots along their buried stems, which help anchor the plant and improve water absorption
- Leave room at the top of the container (1–2 inches) so you can add mulch later
- Plant one tomato per container to give each one the space it needs
Starting from seed? Here’s our guide to starting tomatoes from seed indoors.
Feed Your Tomato Plants, Get More Tomatoes
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. For the best harvest they need regular fertilizing.
- Start by mixing a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix when planting
- As the plant grows, switch to a liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. This is especially once flowering begins
- Look for fertilizer formulas that are low in nitrogen (which encourages leaf growth) and higher in phosphorus and potassium (which support flowering and fruiting)
Water Tomatoes Regularly
Container tomatoes dry out faster than those planted in the ground, especially in warm weather.
- Check soil daily—stick your finger into the top couple inches of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water
- Water deeply and aim for the base of the plant to keep leaves dry which helps prevent disease
- Add mulch like straw or bark chips to retain moisture and keep watering needs down
Give Plants Some Room to Breathing Room
Even in containers, tomatoes grow best with good air circulation. If you’re growing more than one, space them at least 2–3 feet apart. This helps reduce the chance of disease and keep plants healthier overall.
You can also grow helpful companions in pots nearby:
- Vegetable Companions for Tomatoes: Carrots, garlic, peppers
- Herb Companions for Tomatoes: Basil (a great tomato companion), parsley, chives
- Flower Companions for Tomatoes: Marigolds and nasturtiums help deter pests and add color to your container garden
Add Support Early
Tomato plants—especially vining types—need something to lean on as they grow. Add a support right after planting to avoid damaging roots later. Bush types benefit from staking because they keep the fruits off the soil. You can use:
- Tomato cages
- Sturdy stakes
- Trellises
As the plant grows, gently tie stems to the support with soft ties or garden twine.
6. Keep Tomato Plants Clean and Productive
A little maintenance goes a long way.
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves near the soil, up to about 12 inches, to help airflow and reduce the risk of disease
- For vining types, pinch off suckers (the small shoots between leaf and stem) to direct energy to fruit production
7. Watch for Pests and Problems
Tomatoes in containers are a bit easier to monitor, but pests can still show up. Keep an eye out for:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Tomato hornworms
If you spot them:
- Pick them off by hand early in the day
- Use Neem oil spray in the morning or evening (not when pollinators are active), every 7–14 days as needed. Spraying in the evening is best to prevent leaf scorching.
- Avoid overhead watering. Water at the soil level and avoid splashing leaves with water.
If you see signs of disease—like wilting, dark spots, or mold—remove the affected leaves to improve airflow.
8. When to Harvest Container Tomatoes
Tomatoes are ready to pick when they’ve fully changed color and feel slightly soft to the touch. Don’t wait too long, harvesting regularly encourages more fruit to grow.
If frost is coming, pick any mature green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors in a paper bag or on a sunny windowsill.
Clean Up and Reuse Your Containers
At the end of the growing season:
- Pull out spent plants
- Empty the soil (or rotate with a different crop next time)
- Clean containers with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill off any lingering pathogens and rinse thoroughly
- Let them dry completely before storing
Ready to Grow Tomatoes in Containers?
Tomatoes grown in containers can produce just as well as those in the ground—sometimes even better, thanks to improved drainage, fewer soil-borne diseases, and more control over growing conditions. If you’re working with limited space or want to keep your plants close for easy care and harvesting, containers are a smart option that offers flexibility.
Looking for top-performing seeds and supplies to start your container garden? Park Seed has what you need.
