I started growing tomatoes in 5 gal pots but learned how much better they do in larger containers. The minimum size should be 10 gals. I use 15 gallon or larger and the plants grow and produce so much better. And yes, the bigger the pot, the bigger the roots, the bigger and more productive the plant.

It really is all about providing adequate root space. Why not try some in different size pots to see how it works for you? One caution: just because cherry tomatoes are small, don't think the plants are. They need a lot of root room to support 8-12 foot vines.

Seriously, try a small plant in a 5 gal and if you grow 2 of the same variety, put one in a larger pot. I think you will be surprised at the difference in growth and productivity.

In my experience container width is much more important than height. As mentioned, a typical 5-gallon bucket is pretty small, although there are quite a few 'dwarf' plants that will live happily in that container. The smallest I'd go is a 14' dia. planter, and even using 14' pots, I'd restrict myself to varieties indicated as 'for containers.' For many years, I grew tomatoes very successfully in apx. 14" (square) Rubbermaid planters. I grew Early Girl/ Bush Early Girl, Better Bush, Heartland, and other somewhat 'smallish' varieties. Be sure to provide adequate drainage openings -and- allow for stability so the pot doesn't blow over in summer storms.
BTW, have you considered the EarthBox? Not cheap, but very well designed and made (IMO).
-WC2K8

Here is a link that might be useful: Earthbox home page

edit: 14" (not 14')

Bigger is better when it comes to containers, but 5 gallons work great. The most important consideration is the variety you choose. If possible go for bush or dwarf varieties. With container tomatoes, it's especially important that you water them regularly and keep them on a feeding schedule because nutrients leech out of containers. These links may help:
http://www.tomatodirt.com/growing-tomatoes-in-pots.html
http://www.tomatodirt.com/growing-tomatoes-in-pots-large-containers.html
http://www.tomatodirt.com/growing-tomatoes-in-pots-small-containers.html
Happy Gardening!

Here is a link that might be useful: Tomato Dirt: Growing Tomatoes in Pots

With limited space, 5 gal. buckets have done very well for us! I just drill the drain holes 2-3 inches up the side of the bucket, instead of in the bottom. I also put a handful of straw in the bottom, and a handful of straw in the top. With buckets its more easy to move em' around too. My best producer last year was Black Krim, which was in a bucket. dd

Great thanks everyone my main reason for wanting to use the bucket was to save money. Ill keep my eye out for other ideas

Use the 5 gallon containers if you need to. I added to my collection of pots over a period of time as it can be expensive. The plants might not get as large, but that's OK.

We container gardeners all have our opinions and experiences so please don't let us confuse you - we really do want to help.

Give it a try.

Thanks gardenvt everyone has helped me alot. Experimenting is half the fun right?

I just love posts like this! I grow all my indeterminates in 3.5 gallon buckets nested in 5 gallon buckets that are buried in the ground, a variation on the commercial nursery pot-in-pot method for plants...truly amazing to me that they do so well but I'm not complaining. When I pull the containers at the end of the season I find that roots have migrated through the 3.5 gallon container and through the 5 gallon container into the surrounding soil, but usually show no nematode damage, the nemesis of tomatoes in Florida soils.

Tom

Smart pots

It could rain for 3 weeks and you have no worries. 15 years of growing and only last 2 with smart pots. There is no comparison.

Here is a link that might be useful: Smart pots

Using containers is a viable option. Go to this website and look at a commercial organic tomato operation using Earthbox's containers. 2 plants per container.
www.earthbox.com/videos. Check out the video on commercial operations.

I have use earth boxes for several years. I've found that the small to medium size do best. However I garden in Texas
and small to medium size tomatoes are what must be grown here, in the ground or containers, due to the early summer heat. A shame as beef steak is my favorite.

I have to use containers on my deck as the deer eat everything.
The best growing/yields are the cherries (red & yellow) & grapes. I grow them in VERY large pots & stake them with tall bamboo stakes. When big, I use the rails of the deck to help support the vines. I have not been successful with the 5 gallon containers, even with the "Patio" variety.

As stated above you can grow any type of tomato in a 5 gal. container. Properly taken care of, watering and feeding you should have no problems.Just make sure you use a SOILLESS growing medium and not soil. There are commercial mixes out there or you can make your own using peat, bark fines and Perlite.
I've used Smart Pots 1 and 10 gal, plastic containers from 5-10 gal and 26 quart styrofoam Ice chests all with excellent results. I grew an extra Purple Haze tomato seedling as an experiment in a 1 gal. Smart Pot. I received it as a free gift and grew in a south facing window in my home and the plant fruited and reached a height of 8'.
I also use Microbials in my aggregate which makes nutrients more available to the plants root system and also helps with disease control. MycoGrow Soluable, Biota Max and Actinovate to name a few. Ami

The larger the better.
I'll recommend 10 or 18 gallon rubbermaid types. 5 gallons work well as well like miesen said with proper care.

gardenvt writes: "We container gardeners all have our opinions and experiences so please don't let us confuse you - we really do want to help."

I love that answer!! There are endless variables & solutions. Where the container will be placed is a good starter. Full sun, partial shade, on concrete, out in the yard etc etc.

Back to lurking....

I love timmy1's photo's. Timmy has this down to a science using a hydro/aggregate filled container system to grow his plants. Solution PH, nutrients all contolled and applied auotomatically. Timmy does this commercially but can be scaled down for the home hobbyist as well. Now if the "Bingster" will come out of hibernation you can see his balcony setup. Ami

Seems like Bingsters still cleaning his containers and getting ready for this Springs plant out. Timmy1 has he ordered his Big Beefs yet?

Timmy1 lets have a side shot of your maters growing in bags of mix.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bingsters Inspiration Deck Garden

All my tomatoes are grown in containers in Al's 5-1-1 mix.
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Al's mix even works for gardenias or lemons
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A few flowers.
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Plant em if you got em.
Sam

Wow! Just wow. Thanks for the inspiration!

Haven't heard from Bing...I know he usually can only talk on weekends due to his job.

Here's a shot of tomatoes growing out of loose fill bags.