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jrh02139

Container size for tomatos

11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago

I'm considering some of the larger tomato plants. How big a container should I use for Mortgage lifter, for Sungold and for Brandywine? Update: also considering Early girl and Beefsteak. I guess the best question to ask is what is the size container to use for large tomato plants of any type.

ps. is there a search option associated with this forum?

Thanks.

Comments (10)

  • 11 years ago

    <is there a search option associated with this forum>

    yes, search bar right at the top of each page. Just type in your term and a drop down menu appears, click on In Tomato forum on the list.

    Lots of discussions here about container sizes recommended. ML and Brandywine are large plants but Sungold is huge and 15 gallons or more is a common recommendation for it. Personally I wouldn't use anything less than 10-12 gallons for any indeterminate variety. Been there, done that, doesn't work well.

    It all depends on how much work you want to put into it and how closely you want to monitor it. Large containers of 12-15 gallons or more require much less watering, less frequent feeding, have much less problems with BER, and have greater production.

    Dave

  • 11 years ago

    Just get the biggest containers you can find/afford. Don't forget you're going to have to fill them and add that cost into the equation.

  • 11 years ago

    I have grown both Sun Gold and Mortgage Lifter in raised bed. They grow bushy (Many branches) and upward of 8 ft. tall. Personally I would not grow them in container.
    In addition to soil/roots requirements, managing the foliage would be another challenge.

    Seysonn


  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    jrh, I have had great success growing indeterminates in containers, better than in the ground for me. I used #15 nursery pots that I got used at a local landscaping company for free. I don't prune, but you need a very good support system. I set up a drip system and found these emitters that sprayed downward in a 360 degree circle so the entire pot gets watered. (Think they were designed for roses so the foliage didn't get wet) A good potting mix and a good fertilizer that contains all the micronutrients and you are good to go! This year I found a bargain on some 20 gallon fabric bags. Going to try a few in these and compare the difference. I think for optimum outcome, at least 12 to 15 gallons as Dave recommended.

    Jennie

  • 11 years ago

    I do mine in 18 gallons. By the end of the summer, they'd be happy for more room.

  • 11 years ago

    You could try the container gardening forum.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I grew both Sun Gold and Mortgage Lifter in containers last year. My container results for these and other large plants were very good (not perfect). Make sure your plant support is dialed in...and you have a plan. It takes a lot of watering/fertilzer . You can do it. PS jen is dialed in on this.

  • 11 years ago

    Whatever works best.

  • 11 years ago

    Container planting is a big challenge especially if the plants are huge indets.
    In addition to pot size, you have to support them properly.
    Watering and fertilizing are also demanding. They will need much frequent watering and fertilizing, ESPECIALLY if the container is on the smaller side.

    I, myself, am going to grow a few dwarfs in containers this year. Most of them will be ok in 4 to 6 gallon pots.

    Seysonn