New to container growing question

bohica · July 18, 2009

Hey folks,
I am new to container growing this year, I've always planted in the main garden because the soil is as near to balanced as i believe I can get it. That said, this year in an effort to give other plants more room in the garden I was able to get my hands on huge containers, these are the ones that our Nurseries use to transport 8-10 ft trees to customers locations, most were 3 ft wide and 2.5 ft deep so I figured I would be safe.
I started the following varieties:
Big Zac
Delicious
Hillbilly
Giant Belgium
Zebra
Black Krim
and a variety that has been grown by a friend in RI for a few generations in his family, he called it canadian big boy, I couldnt find anything that was even near that name? These tomatoes produced over 40 lbs of tomatoes fer plant, huge, well packed sweet flavored fruit, I have no idea what they are, but the results were common for alot of growers.
I filled my containers obviously starting from the bottom with sand for drainage, Garden soil and compost mixed well.
I havent given the plants anything more then Soluble Kelp, a little fish here and there, and a weekly calcium spray.
All is going well, plants are huge producing well, we picked our first tomato the end of June, but I've noticed that a few of the varieties, including the delicious are putting out a ton of flowers in a small area, I counted 10 tomatoes (small yet) in an 8 inch area, I cant imagine them getting to even sandwich size being so many together like that?
Is this common in Container plants?
Thanks in advance
Tom

July 18, 2009	#1
bohica Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NY Posts: 113	New to container growing question Hey folks, I am new to container growing this year, I've always planted in the main garden because the soil is as near to balanced as i believe I can get it. That said, this year in an effort to give other plants more room in the garden I was able to get my hands on huge containers, these are the ones that our Nurseries use to transport 8-10 ft trees to customers locations, most were 3 ft wide and 2.5 ft deep so I figured I would be safe. I started the following varieties: Big Zac Delicious Hillbilly Giant Belgium Zebra Black Krim and a variety that has been grown by a friend in RI for a few generations in his family, he called it canadian big boy, I couldnt find anything that was even near that name? These tomatoes produced over 40 lbs of tomatoes fer plant, huge, well packed sweet flavored fruit, I have no idea what they are, but the results were common for alot of growers. I filled my containers obviously starting from the bottom with sand for drainage, Garden soil and compost mixed well. I havent given the plants anything more then Soluble Kelp, a little fish here and there, and a weekly calcium spray. All is going well, plants are huge producing well, we picked our first tomato the end of June, but I've noticed that a few of the varieties, including the delicious are putting out a ton of flowers in a small area, I counted 10 tomatoes (small yet) in an 8 inch area, I cant imagine them getting to even sandwich size being so many together like that? Is this common in Container plants? Thanks in advance Tom