Pots

13 years ago

Last season, I grow a couple of tomato plants in an extremely large pot in my backyard. I wasn't able to find space in the ground where the sun was good enough but the pot fit perfectly into a space between some roses (I couldn't dig in that area due to an underground abandoned cistern).

For the most part, they did well but, I did have some blossom rot on some, and cracking of others. I can't remember off hand which varieties I grew; I'd have to look that up. They were heirlooms, that much I remember, one was yellow and the other was a purple-red.

Anyway, I think part of the problem was that my underground sprinkler system, wasn't able to hit the pot well enough to keep them watered properly. I had to go out there at times to hand water via hose to supplement them, which was problematic since I work full time and would forget sometimes. Relying on rain, not the best thing.

So, I started to wonder if there isn't a better type of pot to use. That perhaps a more shallow, but longer type would work better? This way the water from the sprinkler would definitely enter the pot, not partially hit against it.

I also realized that I should have planted only one in each pot, so this year I'll make sure to do that. I also realized that the side of my house gets more sun than I was aware of (we were new to the house, it was the first full summer living there) so I think I'm going to try them out there this year instead.

Any suggestions for more appropriately sized pots appreciated. I'd like to continue using those, as planting in the ground is physically difficult to do and maintain for me.

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

Bets
13 years ago
To resolve the problem of forgetting the water your tomatoes, you could use a timer system.

But since containers dry out so often and need to be fed frequently to make up for the loss of nutrients when water draining from the container leaches them out, perhaps you might consider using SWCs (Self Watering Containers). If you search the forum you will find plenty of posts about (and pictures of) SWC growing.

You can make your own SWC from plastic totes, or you can purchase them.

Advantages include: Two tomato plants per container. No leaching of nutrients. And of course, you don't have to water as often.

I hope that helps.

Betsy

Here is a link that might be useful: Raybo's New EarthTainer III Construction Guide
digdirt2
13 years ago
You don't mention the size of the pots you used. That is vital.

SWC are great but even a too small SWC can be a big problem. Can one plant be grown in a 5 gallon? Sure with lots of problems. Can the same plant be grown in a 10 gallon containers? Yes, with much less problems. In 15 gallons? Ideal and no problems.

You also need to know if the plant you are growing is a determinate or an indeterminate variety. That too makes a big difference.

Dave
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Laurie
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks to both.

I was growing indeterminate plants, Kellogg and Cherokee Purple (I went back to my notes to find out). I think it was the Kellogg that had the blossom rot if I'm not mistaken, and the Cherokee Purple which tended towards splitting. I had cages for both so they were supported pretty well.

Also the pot was at least 15 gallons. May even be 20. I used the same size for a bare root rose which I had to transplant and wanted to make sure it had enough room to grow in for the future. I have grown them several years ago, and learned my lesson from putting them into containers which were too small :)

I could use a timer this year. Last year, was problematic as I didn't have an electrical outlet close by that area until too late in the season. It's a very old home and I finally broke down and realized I needed one in that space. The roses get plenty of water from the underground system, but it would probably be a good idea to hook something else up for tomatoes, so thanks for that idea.
John A
13 years ago
Last year I ran out of space in my regular tomato patch in the garden, so I planted 3 tomatoes in 5 gal pots. All 3 had BER, but none of those in the ground did. There must be some association there.
John A
Laurie
Original Author
13 years ago
Interesting. I wonder if it does have something to do with being grown in the pots? I think I'll have to do some further research on that.
missingtheobvious
13 years ago
One of the causes of BER is inconsistent moisture, which is more likely in (non-self-watering) pots.

For tomatoes, it's a bad idea to water using a sprinkler that will wet the foliage, as the dampness increases the chance of foliage diseases (both the wet leaf aspect and the possibility of microbes in the soil being splashed up onto the leaves; splashing is less likely, of course, when container tomatoes are well-supported, and any nearby soil is covered by mulch).