Thursday, March 8, 2012

Choosing the Right Tomato Pots

I wanted to have a tomato garden in my apartment but there is just no space for an outdoor garden. So I went to a local nursery and asked for some advice on how to start a tomato garden indoors. The first advice was to choose the right tomato pots. This involves the size and the type of pots or containers to use that would go along with the indoor set up.

I learned that the right size of tomato pots must have the capability to support a productive, full grown plant. A single tomato plant can grow for a season in an 18 inch pot. Keep in mind that the weight of the pot and the drainage system should also be considered when choosing pots for your tomato plants.

To be more specific, a pot or container at least 12 to 16 inches deep is ideal for your tomato plants. Mosttomato plants, including cherry tomatoes, grow large and need a lot of space for maximum production. The larger your pot, the larger the amount of tomato fruits your plant will produce. Some pots come with holes in the bottom, but if you think that it's not sufficient enough to drain excess water drill at least four small holes. If your pot has large holes that allow too much drainage, place coffee filters at the bottom before adding your soil.

Another thing I was advised to consider when choosing a container for tomato plants is the material of the pot. Water-proof plastic and fibreglass pots have the tendency to retain moisture. I know they are ideal containers for tomato plants than clay or terracotta plants. Besides, plastic pots are less expensive and do not break easily. Ceramicclays are sealed with glazed. Another option is wooden planters. However, they are not sealed, so you have to seal them first before you can use them. In the long run they discolor and get splintered.

Another option to consider when saving money is recycling old containers. You can look around the house and you are sure to find something that can be used as pots. I'm sure you have an old five-gallon bucket somewhere in the shed that can be used as a pot. How about half wine barrels or wooden packing cases that are stashed somewhere in the basement? Bear in mind, though, that the recycled things should be made of non-toxic material and are able to provide drainage at the bottom. If there is no hole at the bottom, drill some holes big enough to drain excess water and yet small enoughto keep the soil intact.

In the end, your good judgment should be used in picking the right tomato pots. With plenty of options to choose, let's begin planting our tomato plants.

Choosing the Right Tomato Pots

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