As of: April 9, 2024, 8:11 a.m
By: Ines Alms
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Tomatoes don't need a bed: they produce good yields in a pot on the balcony or terrace. With the necessary knowledge and a few tips, it works even better.
Growing tomatoes in pots or containers offers a great way to harvest fresh and tasty fruit even in limited space. Here are the most important points you should consider if you want to plant tomatoes in a container:
1. The right location
There are certain small-growing varieties that are particularly easy to grow in containers. © Pond5 Images/Imago
A sunny location is essential for successfully growing tomatoes in pots. Make sure your tomatoes receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per day to promote vigorous growth and bountiful yields. However, blazing sun all day on a hot city balcony can also overheat the root ball, so you should keep an eye on the plant and set up sun protection if necessary. If the balcony or terrace is not sufficiently covered, a rain cover is useful just in case.
2. The appropriate pot size
Use large pots or tubs that have at least 10 to 15 liters capacity. For this reason it is also important that only one tomato is planted per pot. The larger the tomato plant becomes, the larger the capacity should be. Hanging tomatoes are also suitable for hanging baskets or balcony boxes. Tomatoes grown in clay pots require more water. Even though tomatoes are very thirsty plants, it is essential that the container has one or more drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
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3. Use nutrient-rich soil
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and as such have a high nutrient requirement in order to produce many aromatic fruits. Use a high-quality potting soil or special soil for vegetable plants that ensures good permeability and sufficient nutrient supply. Adding horse manure or compost would be even better. In some cities you can also get the latter from recycling facilities that recycle organic waste and offer it for sale.
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4. Choosing the right type of tomato
In principle, you can use any type of tomato for growing in a container. However, there are numerous types of tomatoes that are even better suited for this purpose. Opt for compact cocktail tomato varieties or those specifically bred for container growing, such as 'Bajaja', 'Tiny Tim', 'Little Red Riding Hood' or 'Tumbling Tom Red'. You can also use taller tomato varieties, but they will require a climbing aid. Beef tomatoes or bushy and lush wild tomatoes are less suitable.
5. Regular watering and fertilization
Keep the substrate sufficiently moist by watering regularly. This can be the case twice a day, especially during hot and dry periods. An additional layer of mulch or mulch mat retains moisture better. Fertilize your tomatoes every three weeks with a vegetable or tomato fertilizer to promote growth and fruit production. Organic substances such as horn shavings or primary rock powder, which are mixed in at the beginning of the growing season, are also helpful as additional long-term fertilizer.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.