what do you think? too hot in texas to grow on patio in pots? also can i grow in organic compost in a pot? i read about growing in an organic bag with the bag slit and plant put into --could i do same in big pot--or should i go with a moisture holding soil?
growing tomatoes in pots
I would think planting in compost only will result in a lot of leaf growth at the expense of fruit which is what you are after. You could mix some of the compost into potting mix. Tomatoes will need a large pot – 18" or larger – as their root systems are very large. You may think about a fall planting for this year if you don't already have plants in bloom or fruit. Tomatoes will not set in hot weather. This is why people spend a lot of time devising ways to protect their early planted tomato plants from frosty weather. This late in the spring all you will probably get is leaves. Consider starting seed in June or July for a fall crop.
I've tried the moisture holding soil only once and didn't like how wet the soil remained for such a long time. I would rather water more frequently than risk root rot. However, if you are very careful with your watering routine, moisture holding soil should work as well.
thanks--last summer my tomato growing was a flop--my son who started his much later mentioned how well his did come fall--so maybe you are right about that
You can grow maters in containers. Check out the Self-Contained Box Gardens forum for loads of help.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/boxgardens/all/
stephanietx - thanks for the Box Garden info - that will help me with strawberries for next year.
You're welcome! I've been lurking over there reading about growing potatoes.
yes thanks--i just got done lurking and asked a question--interesting place over there!
I may later change my mind, but for now I would say save your money on this hanging bag. It was a novel idea, but the thing just isn't growning! I planted Cherry tomatoes in it and they usually take off in the ground. Not recommending this one.
Forgot to mention the yellowing indicating too much water or not enough sun??
This message was edited May 9, 2009 9:45 PM
I would not put more than about 20% compost. The rest I would put potting mix. In a container, you have the pressure of the walls of the container pushing inwards, so any type of heavy soil will prevent the roots from thriving.
Tomatoes can absolutely be grown in containers in Texas. Pictures from Suze's tomato plants in Dallas:
http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/photos/v/memberphotos/suze/Fort+Worth+pictures+2006/
I laugh everytime I see one of those upside down tomato things. Several years ago, I got adventurous (I was a student on a string bean budget) and grew some tomatoes upside down in milk jugs. I had wonderful success until the hornworms found us! The hardest part was reaching up to water it because one of my tall guy friends strung it and hung it up for me. I wonder now if growing the patio variety of tomatoes would work well in one of those things.
They're very simple to make and only require a milk jug, heavy fishing line or wire (like for a hanging basket), a tomato plant, and dirt. You just cut the bottom off the milk jug, about an inch or so from the bottom, poke some holes in the sides for your wire or fishing line and then devise your hanger. Stick your tomato plant through the spout leaves first, fill with soil, hang it and water it.