Minimum Container size for tomatoes

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funghi2 Brooklyn, NY Jun 04, 2009

I tried searching but wasnt able to find info. I wantd to put some tomatoes in planters in the backyard but dont know what the smallest size i can get is. I am thinking about getting Cherokee Purple, Black Cherry, Sweet Million, Sun Gold, and Opalka's.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Jun 05, 2009

Hi Fung! I've grown Cher Purples and Sun Golds since 2007. This is my first season growing Sweet Millions and Black Cherries. I currently have a BC and a S Million growing on my patio in 5-gallon eBuckets. Cherry toms are notorious for growing wild and unruly so be prepared for some spread. Same with the Sun Golds. The Cherokees are indeterminates and will definitely grow at least 6-8 ft tall. I would go with at least a 24" planter on the Cher and set up a trellis of some sort as the fruit will be heavy. Also if you're starting the Cher with a seedling start it way down in your planter up to just below the bottom leaves. As it grows taller add more potting mix up 2 the leaves. In the tomatoes forum we've labeled this technique as "Bocabob's deep rooting system". Doing it this way will cause roots to grow all along the stem and help develop a strong stalk. Mix 2 cups of pelletized Dolomitic lime & 1 tablespoon Epsom salts into the top 4-6" of your potting mix. Then put a 2" wide ring of slow release fertilizer (10-10-10 or any combination of numbers above 10 but below 15) and made for use in containers, on TOP of the mix and water it in. Put a stake in place too! Godspeed and Good Harvest! Linda

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funghi2 Brooklyn, NY Jun 05, 2009

thanks linda. what are ur favorite types of tomato? so im trying to decide whether to container the tomatoes or put them in my planter i just built (pic attached). the planters measure 84" x 22" and 43" x 26". im just worried that i wont be able to plant anything else bc there will be too much shade from the 'matos. what do u think?

This message was edited Jun 5, 2009 12:22 AM

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cinski Terrace, Canada Jun 05, 2009

You have some "natural" support with the balcony there. I wonder if it would get too hot and burn plants though... What does anyone else think? I think I would only put veggies in there that wouldn't try to climb or touch them.

Maybe do determinate tomatoes?

Or test the temp of the rails in the day and see what heat they absorb?
cinski

Post #6644533
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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Jun 05, 2009

funghi2 - I've grown tomatoes in five gallon pots, but when they got really big, I found myself having to water them twice or more times a day. I now grow two plants in ten gallon pots, or five plants in twenty-five gallon pots. Now I only have to water once a day.

Here's where I bought the pots...

http://www.growersupply.com/blowmolcon.html

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funghi2 Brooklyn, NY Jun 05, 2009

i didnt even think about the hot bars.thanks for the help

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