The number one essential is sun. Tomatoes require a lot of light and will not
thrive without out it. The materials you will need to gather for your tomato container
garden are simple. You will need containers that are about five gallons in size.
Only plant one tomato plant per pot. You will need soil, tomato seedlings and
stakes or a wire cage to hold the plant upright. String, or products called twist-tie
or sturdy-tie will be needed to tie the plant to the stakes or cages. You will
need a plastic tray for drainage; good drainage is essential to the health of
your tomato container garden. Last need on the list is fertilizer.
There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato container
garden. The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers and are popular
with container gardeners. Cherry tomatoes and Christmas Grape tomatoes work
well also because of their size and many gardeners grow them when space is limited.
Other varieties that will flourish in a tomato container garden are Celebrity,
Early Girl, and Sweet 100's. It really depends on which variety you want to
grow and for what purposes. If you will be growing them mainly for salads the
cherry varieties are the way to go.
As mentioned before, sunlight is a requirement in order to grow your tomato
container garden. Scout out the area you are planning to use for your tomatoes.
The spot for your tomato container garden must get at least four to six hours
of sunlight. The more light the better since the sun promotes healthy, steady
growth. The two most important elements for success in tomato container gardening
is sunlight and water.
By growing your own tomato container garden you will know that there were no
pesticides used on your plants. With all the controversy going on about pesticides
knowing that yours is pesticide free is an advantage for you and your family.
Here is a good natural pest deterrent:
In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake
vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and
1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants
of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.
Other pluses to this type of garden is you no longer will be paying high prices
for tomatoes, your containers won't take up much space and one plant usually
yields enough tomatoes to feed your family. The cost of a tomato container garden
is minimal and the feeling of accomplishment is great. So why are you waiting
to plant your tomatoes? It's time to choose the variety of tomato you want to
grow, pick up some containers and start your tomato container gardens today.
Happy Container Gardening!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows
her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles
on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at Gardening
Landscaping Tips, Gardening
Outside, and Indoor
Herb Garden.
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