8 Steps for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Grow Juicy, Homegrown Tomatoes, Even Without a Garden
Growing tomatoes in containers is an easy way to grow your own food, even if you’re working with limited space. All you need is the right variety, a large enough container, and a sunny spot. With consistent care, tomatoes grown in pots can produce just as much (or more) than those grown in the ground.
Here's everything you need to know to get started—from choosing the right tomato to the best way to fertilize, support, and harvest your plant.
1. Choose the Right Location for Container Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in full sun. Aim for a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably with southern exposure. On hot patios or balconies, give your containers some protection from intense late-afternoon sun by setting them near a wall or using a shade cloth during heatwaves.
Avoid placing pots directly on concrete if your summer temperatures are high because heat radiating from pavement can stress roots. Raise containers slightly off the ground with bricks, plant stands, or pot feet to help with airflow and cooling.
2. Pick the Right Tomato Variety for Containers
Not all tomatoes are a good fit for pots. The best tomatoes for containers are compact, productive, and can handle limited root space.
Look for:
- Determinate or dwarf types (grow to a set size, need less support)
- Patio, cherry, or salad tomatoes (fast-maturing and high-yielding)
- Short-season indeterminate types if you have a large enough pot and strong support
Best Tomatoes to Grow in Containers:
- Bush Early Girl – Compact and early to harvest
- Tumbling Tom – Cascades beautifully from hanging baskets
- Kitchen Minis – Perfect for windowsills and small pots
- Patio Choice – Grows just 18 inches tall
-
San Marzano – For larger pots and homemade sauce
3. Use the Right Container Size
Tomatoes are deep-rooted and need plenty of soil to grow strong and fruit well.
Minimum container sizes:
- 5 gallons per plant (absolute minimum for compact types)
- 10–20 gallons for larger varieties or better results
- At least 16–18 inches wide and deep
Look for containers with good drainage holes. More space = fewer watering issues, stronger roots, and higher yields.
Container materials:
- Plastic pots retain moisture and are lightweight
- Fabric grow bags promote root airflow and drain well
- Clay pots are heavy and stylish but dry out faster
Tip: Bigger is better. If in doubt, size up. Tomatoes with more root space are easier to manage and more productive.
4. Use Quality Potting Mix (Not Garden Soil)
Tomatoes in containers need light, fluffy soil that drains well but holds moisture.
Use a potting mix designed for vegetables, not garden soil. Look for a mix with:
- Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention
- Compost for nutrients
- Perlite or vermiculite for drainage and root aeration
Avoid reusing old potting mix without refreshing it. Start clean each season for best results and fewer pests or diseases.
5. Plant Deep, Feed Well, and Mulch
Tomatoes are unique. They can grow roots along buried stems. When transplanting into containers, bury two-thirds of the stem for a stronger root system.
Feed at planting time:
- Mix in a slow-release vegetable fertilizer with the potting mix
- Top off with a layer of mulch (like straw or bark chips) to hold moisture and prevent splash back
Once plants begin to flower, switch to a balanced or bloom-boosting liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. Choose one that’s low in nitrogen (to prevent too much leaf growth) and higher in phosphorus and potassium to support fruiting.
6. Water Consistently
Tomatoes in pots dry out faster than those in the ground. In warm weather, daily watering may be needed.
How to water:
- Water deeply at the base of the plant
- Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease
- Use your finger to test soil moisture daily. Water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry
- Add mulch to keep moisture levels even
Inconsistent watering is the most common cause of cracked fruit and blossom end rot. Keep moisture steady, especially as fruit sets.
7. Provide Support Early
Even compact bush types benefit from support. It keeps fruit off the soil and reduces stress on stems.
Install your support when planting to avoid damaging roots later. Use:
- Tomato cages for bush or patio types
- Stakes for taller or indeterminate plants
- Trellises or fencing for larger setups or rows of containers
Tie stems loosely with soft plant ties or twine, and adjust as the plant grows.
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
8. Monitor for Pests, Prune as Needed, and Harvest Often
Container-grown tomatoes are easier to monitor, but still require attention.
Common pests:
- Aphids
- Tomato hornworms
- Whiteflies
Pick off pests early or spray with neem oil in the evening (when bees aren’t active). Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Not sure which pest you're seeing? Ask Growbot or use our app, From Seed to Spoon, and check the "critters" section.
Prune for productivity:
- Remove yellowing or lower leaves for better airflow
- Pinch off suckers on vining types to focus energy on fruit
When to harvest:
Tomatoes are ready when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Don’t wait too long because regular picking encourages more fruit.
If frost is approaching, pick mature green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a paper bag.
Bonus: End-of-Season Tips
Once your tomato season is over:
- Pull and compost spent plants
- Empty and sanitize pots with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
- Let containers dry fully before storing
- Rotate crops next season or refresh soil before replanting
Tomatoes Thrive in Containers
Growing tomatoes in pots gives you flexibility, control, and easy access to fresh fruit just outside your door. With the right variety, container, and care routine, you’ll enjoy a harvest that rivals any in-ground garden.
Looking for the best tomatoes for small spaces? Shop Park Seed’s patio-friendly, high-yielding varieties and get growing today.