Growing in pots.

[pugfrog]

I want to rest my garden this year and grow my tomato's in pots. I have good success growing determinants that way but usual'y have disappointing results with the others. Any tips as I have at least 50 pots waiting patiently! Thank you in advance.

[coloken]

My experence with a small number of pots is that it is hard to warter properly especially in hot weather. This causes lot of problems. with 50 pots, I would think that a system of tubing and maybe drippers would be manatory.
KennyP

[ContainerTed]

What size are those 50 pots??? Large pots (18 gallons and up) are easier except in the most severe temperatures and dryness. However, smaller pots (10 gallons and below) can be problematic in moderately high temperatures with regards to watering. A 5 gallon bucket may have to be watered twice a day to maintain adequate moisture.

[meadowyck]

Ted have you really had such bad results from containers? Granted I'm in a different grow zone and maybe after this winter I'll be rethinking, but I can't wait to get my 5 gallon containers going. I have always watered by hand so I can keep an eye on what is going on with my plants. Always see what bugs or other problems right away so can then correct the problem faster.

Pugfrog are you getting ready to grow now? Until you give it a try you will never know for sure what will work for you. Best to you this growing season.

[pugfrog]

Sorry, I had to walk away from this thread, I had something come up. I will try to grow in pots this year but I was told that potted tomatoes need more food, is that true? I know a chap that feeds three times a week and his tom plants are huge. The pots he grows them in are tiny when you compare them to the size of the plant!