Growing Tomatoes in Totes

16 years ago

So I have seen plenty of pictures of people growing tomatoes in plastic totes and I am just wondering what the basics are as I am having a hard time digging up information on it. I didn't get quite as much of my garden as I wanted finished thanks to the concrete we call "dirt" outside my house. Any info is appreciated.

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suddensam

16 years ago

I grow on tables in 30 gal totes, I dont use any kind of self watering, not that im against it, I just dont feel a need to.

Ive found that by growing on tables it totally eliminates a bug problem, and most diseases. I have only had one disease,fungus, or virus problem in yrs. [ never did figure it out] however orthro cured it. In the past I always used the 40 to 55 gal black pots with one plant to a pot. This is my first yr of using 32 gal totes that wally world had on sale for six dollars apiece.
Im not gona argue with anyone but the few times I tried totes that were less then 18 gal the plants grew and produced, but were not as robust and didnt produce the quality or quanity of the larger totes.
I use Als 5-1-1 mix made up just like he says to with little variance, as you can see it works for me.
Plant em if you got em.
Sam

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Comments (9)

rnewste
16 years ago
You can start at this link to get the basics. Also, download the Construction Guide to evaluate the design.

http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/

Raybo

Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer
organicislandfarmer
16 years ago
Once you download the construction guide all will be clear!!! I am doing them this fall!
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florida_country_boy
16 years ago
Hi Sam,

I did the same as you this season. I purchased the items needed for the SWC, but the time came to plant out and I still hadnt constructed them so I just used the containers by themself. They are working great, and I'm plugged into the aquifer, so no water bill. I also have them up on my deck and havent had any problems yet(knocks on wood).
thinkstoomuch
16 years ago
Sam,
Do you need a ladder to pick tomatoes from those plants??
Kim
dancinglemons
16 years ago
suddensam,

Do you prune the tops of your plants to prevent them from getting extremely tall?? DH had to put my containers on risers this year (arthritis ya know) and I am wondering how I will manage the plants when they get 'over my head'. If you did prune -- was there any specific method??

Thanks,
DL
suddensam
16 years ago
I dont prune the tops, its something that im gona look into next yr though. I think the time to prune would be the second crop that I grow in the spring, as the heat will take these plants out very quickly now anyway. The blossoms towards the top wont have time to mature. I never thought of pruning and heat until I read that someone else did prune and why. Yes I do have to use a ladder on occasion. If you have a bad back as I do the table is a God sent. I was serious about insect control, there is absolutely no issue with bugs, and in Fl. thats huge.
I dont grow anything in the ground now, cabbage, onions, broc,cukes etc go in containers and set out on pine bark mulch, tomatos on the tables. I can control all aspects during the life of the plant, fert, water, sun, etc. Growing on mulch also helps with bug control. Im not a tree hugger and would use insecticide in a second, it just isnt called for growing in containers. I always grow a half dozen mustard plants, each one in there own container. Ive found if theres going to be a bug problem for some reason bugs always pick on the mustards. Just ck the mustards daily, if you see any damage, the whole plant goes in garbage.

Im sorry I dont have better pictures of the garden.
Plant em if you got em.
Sam
geeboss
16 years ago
narul
16 years ago
Hi,
I am starting my home garden in Containers. plan to grow Tomato,Egg Plant, Basil, Pepper, etc.
I am not able to figure out which fertilizer to start with.I read in forums,the problem of having high nitrogen due to urea. Is urea really a matter of concern? Could you experts guide me in selecting a suitable fertilizer.I have purchased EB Stone pot mix to fill in the containers.I am not sure if it contains any chemicals.I appreciate your help.
narul