How To Plant Tomatoes In Pots Faq
Joseph asks…
what's wrong with my tomatoes?
l have le tomato plants in pots on my deck. One plant is yellowing and has some small spots (see pictures). can anyone tell me what is causing it and how to treat it?
a picture of the whole plant (about 320 KB) yellowing is on plant to right on the lower leaves
http://www.lifeatrandom.com/images/tomatoes/plants.jpg
closeup of the leaves. Sorry its' blurry. (about 220 kb)
http://www.lifeatrandom.com/images/tomatoes/leaves.jpg
Thanks!
Staff Member Answers:
If watering in the day time while the sun shines was a problem, the majority of plants would not survive.
I am going to suggest two things.
1) water slowly. When water runs out of the bottom of the container stop. Go back and do it again 15 or 20 mins later. And then again, several times over. The soil has possibly dried out and is only absorbing a small amount. After the soil is thoroughly saturated you will only need to water every few days (4-5) to keep it evenly moist.
2) look under the leaves for insects. If you find some, treat immediately
3) normally there is some leaf drop.
Hope this helps.
Lisa asks…
Where can I find giant containers or pots for tomato plants?
I just ordered 6 prolific producer tomato plants and I need to put them in large containers. I was thinking of half whiskey barrels or garbage pails but I would have to decorate them somehow so they don't look like garbage pails how would I do that? Or do you know where I can find these size containers for very little (10$ or less) or free?
Staff Member Answers:
Go to a carwash & see if you can pick-up some empty plastic 55gal. Containers. Cut 'em down, wash 'em out , & drill drainage wholes in the bottom. All for free & your ready to go!
Helen asks…
does any one know how to grow tomatoes in pots?
i have two tomato plant one dead the other wont flower ' it just grows i water it every few days
Staff Member Answers:
There are a few things that might be going on. Are the pots large enough? Tomatoes can get big, and would do best in a pot that's at least a foot or so across. Larger pots mean more space for their roots, meaning a happier tomato. Are they getting enough light? They should be somewhere they get at least 6 hours of light a day, otherwise they get leggy (streching out to find the sun), and don't have enough energy to flower/fruit. Are you feeding them? They should be fed once a month to encourage flowering and fruit set - look for organic or conventional tomato/vegetable food in your local nursery (or Home Depot, etc). And before you water then, stick your finger down ~2" into their dirt (from your knuckle to your fingernail). If the soil is still damp down that far, they don't need water just yet. If they're getting over-dry in between waterings, put the pot in a saucer to help keep some water available to them for a longer period of time.
Good luck!
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