I don't know how to say this without sounding mean, so here I go. Did you do a search or go through the previous threads as suggested before you post ? There are plenty of people here, especially bingster who are growing in tomatoes. It's kinda hard not to see that thread if you go over any of the old posts.

"Before posting a question, please check the FAQ and do a search to make sure it hasn't already been answered."

I can tell you that majority of people don't like/use Miracle grow. Just keep reading the threads and you should have all your questions answer.

Yes, I would use Miracle-Gro tomato formula to feed tomato plants in containers. I have done that a few years in a row now to good effect.

I cannot recommend Miracle-Gro potting mix because I have not used it, and because I have used some similar potting mixes that hold too much water and result in poor root development.

I have used some more porous potting mixes like the ones formulated for cactus and other potted plants that like a light, loose, extremely well drained medium. Then I have watered the containerized plants once a day during very hot dry weather and at least 3 or 4 times a week during normally warm summer weather. I water until I see some water come out the bottom of the container.

The best way to tell if your plant needs water is to poke your finger way down into the potting mix and see whether it's still damp enough to support plant health. And if you see the potting mix pulling away from the edges of the container ... well, you've really gone way too long without watering.

I feed my tomatoes in containers at least once every 7 to 10 days with no less than 1/2 tablespoon and no more than 3/4 tablespoon of Miracle-Gro to one gallon of water. I prefer the rose formula to the tomato formula, but the tomato formula works just fine. The rose formula works better for me, that's all. When I feed the plants, I don't necessarily water until it runs out the bottom because that's just wasting plant food.

Yes, I take the bottom dish off containers that come with them, but then I'm placing the containers on the ground. If you place them on the balcony, you run the risk of 1) overwatering and dripping onto the balcony below, or 2) staining the concrete decking on your balcony possibly causing an issue with your landlord.

You have some more questions, but I have to go to a neighborhood association meeting right now. I'll get back with you later if needed.

Bill

Since the search is not working right now, I'll try to answer some more of your questions for you.

Like Bill said, I would put the drain pan back on for the benefit of the people below you. If it becomes filled with water you can just dump it into a bucket rather than just letting it drip onto the balcony. It also comes in handy for watering the plant from below rather than just dumping the water on top. Fill the dish and let the plant soak it up. Agin, either way will work - just avoid getting the leaves wet if possible.

Sta Green Moisture Max is a good soil-less mix that already has some fertilizer in it and also has moisture control added to it to help keep the pot from drying out. So use the 'stick in your finger' trick Bill told you to decide when to water.

patio tomatoes are also good to grow in containers is this true as well? Yes. The Husky will do fine in the container you have and the Bonnie will probably be ok too but the beefy hybrid will need a much bigger container than the other two. In Florida it is most likely warm enough to move the Beefy outside yet but keep it out of the direct sun for now. It isn't nearly as tough as the store bought seedlings so treat it with much more care for a couple of weeks.

There are many good fertilizers available - both liquid and pellets, synthetic or organic. While it is true that many of us do not like Miracle Grow, many others do, so which you use is up to you. I do recommend using one that is formuated for tomatoes. Experiment and see which works best for you. I prefer the pelleted time-release fertilizer mixed in with my container soil because it doesn't leach out as quickly as the liquids. But either will work fine. Just don't over do it. I would not add any for a couple of weeks as there is already some in the mix. Let the plants adjust to their new home first. Then try 1/2 strength mix the first couple of times to see how the plants do.

Hope this helps. Be sure to do some reading over on the Container gardening forum too and scan down the page here to see other messages about growing in containers. Good luck with your plants. ;)

Dave

Dave and Bill:

Your advice is well taken and I really truly appreciate the time you bioth have taken to anwser my questions.

I will place the hybrid seedling in non direct light for the time being as well, sorry that I didnt explain my self better the container are in on a first floor pation so there is no dager of driping over any tenants. I did removed today the covers on the bottom to give it good drainage. Again guy I truly appreciated the advice.

Hector

Hector,

Some of the reasons folks here may not like Miracle-Gro type soluable fertilizers that are fed with the irrigation water (fertigation) is because 1) they aren't organic, 2) they can cause a build-up of salts in your growing media, 3) they can be mixed too strongly and burn the leaves or roots of the plants, 4) they may contain elements that are thought to be detrimental to human and animal bodies, 5) the can burn or kill beneficial insects, worms, microbes, etc., and 6) they can run-off and pollute ground water or surface waters.

All those things are true to one extent or another. So, when using potent soluable fertilizers like Miracle-Gro, one must really follow the label directions and err on the side of caution. That's why I mix the solution at half the recommended rate and once a month or so wash out the growing medium in each container by flooding it with straight water. That's another reason I prefer very porous growing mixes ... so I can flush out the accumulated salts.

I know I'm not addressing all the issues associated with Miracle-Gro or similar products, but then I guess I've found a way to make them work for me without noticing any negative side effects to my plants, my body, my yard, my habitat, etc. There are of course organic alternatives that will work and if you're interested in them, surely someone will chime in with options.

Bill