Container Size

recruiterg · May 17, 2009

What is the optimum sized container for growing tomatoes?

By optimum, I mean the smallest size that you can effectively grow tomatoes with success. Also, what is the least expensive alternative? I have a few extra seedings and I am thinking I will just throw them in pots and try to see if they make it thru the summer.

oc tony · May 17, 2009

This is my opinion, three gallon for a small plant and five gallon for all the others if you keep them watered and fertilized.

ContainerTed · May 17, 2009

It would help to know the varieties, but I would say 5 to 10 gallons. Currently, I have tomatoes (with fruit set) in sizes of 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, and 20 gallons. Most of my larger tubs are not "full". I leave some space at the top to allow for a couple of "topdressings" with mix and Tomato-Tone during the season.

Ted

recruiterg · May 17, 2009

I am taling about large indeterminates such as: Brandywines, Earl's Faux, Aunt Ruby's German Green, etc...

**Dukerdawg** · May 17, 2009

I think 10-12 gallon is minimum, but others may argue that. Shrug. I grew about 35 plants last year in 12 gallon grow bags and am growing all my plants this year in tubs or grow bags. I had some early BER due to watering issues. In the heat of the summer, unless you are retired with nothing else to do or you get an automatic drip system installed (optimum!) it is hard to keep things watered and the smaller the size I imagine would make things harder. JMHO.

Duane

amideutch · May 17, 2009

I grow most of my ind/det in 5-7 gal. containers. You can see pictures of my plants in the Photo Gallery on the threads started by amideutch. Please note I use mycorrhizae, Actinovate in addition to my ferts which are organic for the most part. Once your plants hit 4-5 feet they will need daily watering and weekly fertilizer applications at a minimum. If you can't then larger containers are in order. Ami

dice · May 18, 2009

It probably depends on what your peak summer temperatures
are, too. Watering frequency is going to be different for
someplace where the average high in the summer for weeks
on end is above 85F/30C than for someplace where summer
highs average 10F lower. The hotter your climate, the more
your plants will benefit from bigger containers that dry out
more slowly.

One trick: make your containers bottomless or drill numerous
1" holes in the bottoms and put them on soil. Roots will grow
down through the bottoms, reducing the risk of drying out
completely. (The container itself shades the soil below it right
at that spot.)

creister · May 18, 2009

I have had good luck with drilling the holes as Dice suggested. You still need to fertilize More often, as well as keep an eye on the water.

May 17, 2009	#1
recruiterg Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Edina, MN (Zone 4) Posts: 945	Container Size What is the optimum sized container for growing tomatoes? By optimum, I mean the smallest size that you can effectively grow tomatoes with success. Also, what is the least expensive alternative? I have a few extra seedings and I am thinking I will just throw them in pots and try to see if they make it thru the summer.

May 17, 2009	#3
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	It would help to know the varieties, but I would say 5 to 10 gallons. Currently, I have tomatoes (with fruit set) in sizes of 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, and 20 gallons. Most of my larger tubs are not "full". I leave some space at the top to allow for a couple of "topdressings" with mix and Tomato-Tone during the season. Ted __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

May 17, 2009	#5
Dukerdawg Growing for Market Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westland, Michigan Posts: 861	I think 10-12 gallon is minimum, but others may argue that. Shrug. I grew about 35 plants last year in 12 gallon grow bags and am growing all my plants this year in tubs or grow bags. I had some early BER due to watering issues. In the heat of the summer, unless you are retired with nothing else to do or you get an automatic drip system installed (optimum!) it is hard to keep things watered and the smaller the size I imagine would make things harder. JMHO. Duane __________________ May I aspire to live my life so that I may be the man my dog thinks I am.

May 17, 2009	#6
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	I grow most of my ind/det in 5-7 gal. containers. You can see pictures of my plants in the Photo Gallery on the threads started by amideutch. Please note I use mycorrhizae, Actinovate in addition to my ferts which are organic for the most part. Once your plants hit 4-5 feet they will need daily watering and weekly fertilizer applications at a minimum. If you can't then larger containers are in order. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

May 18, 2009	#7
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	It probably depends on what your peak summer temperatures are, too. Watering frequency is going to be different for someplace where the average high in the summer for weeks on end is above 85F/30C than for someplace where summer highs average 10F lower. The hotter your climate, the more your plants will benefit from bigger containers that dry out more slowly. One trick: make your containers bottomless or drill numerous 1" holes in the bottoms and put them on soil. Roots will grow down through the bottoms, reducing the risk of drying out completely. (The container itself shades the soil below it right at that spot.) __________________ -- alias

May 17, 2009	#2
oc tony Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: oc ca. Posts: 173	This is my opinion, three gallon for a small plant and five gallon for all the others if you keep them watered and fertilized.

May 18, 2009	#8
creister Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Abilene, TX zone 7 Posts: 1,478	I have had good luck with drilling the holes as Dice suggested. You still need to fertilize More often, as well as keep an eye on the water.