Container Gardening: How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots

This post is all about how to grow tomatoes in pots.

Originally published June 23, 2022
Updated April 27, 2025

Hey there, home gardener! If you’re dreaming of homegrown tomatoes but short on space, container gardening is your best choice for a thriving vegetable garden. Whether you’re in a suburban apartment with a sunny balcony or a small patio, growing container tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the best tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes or Bush Early Girl, right at home. As an aspiring homesteader, you’ll love the control over growing conditions and the joy of harvesting ripe fruit from your own potted tomato plants.

As I mentioned in previous posts, my dad got me into veggie gardening. He started growing tomato plants in ceramic pots on our apartment’s porch. For additional information about growing in containers, check out my post “The Pros and Cons of Container Gardening”. It reviews the pros and cons of container gardening.

Inspired by my dad’s ceramic tomato pots on our apartment porch, this post shares everything you need to grow good tomatoes in small spaces, with a warm, empowering vibe. Let’s dig into the best way to start your tomato pots!

This post is all about how to grow tomatoes in pots.

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Table of Contents

Why Grow Tomatoes in Pots?

Container gardening is perfect for small spaces like balconies, patios, or rooftops, especially if you have poor garden soil or live in an apartment. Potted tomato plants thrive in full sun and well-drained potting mix, letting you avoid issues like blossom end rot or soil-borne pathogens. Plus, container gardens are ideal for a late start or short growing season, giving young plants a head start from tomato seeds or nursery-grown starts. Whether you’re growing compact plants like Patio Choice Yellow or indeterminate varieties, you’ll get productive plants with the right setup.

I’ve created a checklist for you to get started with growing tomatoes in pots.

What You’ll Need to Grow Tomatoes in Pots

Starting a container garden for tomatoes is simple, but success depends on a few key factors. Here’s a checklist to grow the best tomato varieties in tomato pots:

Light and Temperature

Tomatoes crave full sun—at least 8 hours daily—so place your pots in a sunny spot, like a sunny windowsill or patio. These heavy feeders love warm weather but can’t handle frost or temperatures below 50°F. Check your last frost date to nail the planting time, typically in late spring or early summer. The pot should be in a good spot where there’s plenty of good air circulation. Even though you’re planting in pots, proper spacing still needs to be given to the plant. Good air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal diseases, so ensure your pots aren’t crowded. A sunny, breezy spot keeps your tomato seedling happy and healthy.

Watering Your Potted Tomato Plants

Potted tomato plants need more frequent watering than those in garden beds or raised beds because potting soils dry out way faster. Water tomato plants deeply, ensuring water reaches the roots and drains through the drainage holes—good drainage prevents root rot. It’s SUPER important that you get a pot that has drainage holes. Never get one without them!

Avoid shallow watering or too much water, which can cause fruit to split or lead to blossom end rot. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil surface; if it’s dry an inch down, it’s time to water plants. Before heavy rains, pick ripe fruit to avoid splitting. Self-watering containers can help maintain consistent moisture, especially for busy gardeners.

Watering too much can sometimes be unavoidable. For instance, you may suddenly get a lot of rain. What I like to do before a big rain is pick any fruit that have a blush.

Lastly, water consistently. Tomatoes really don’t like to have inconsistent waterings. So if you allow the plant to go for days without water and then suddenly give it a lot of water, this can cause issues with your fruit.

Quality Potting Mix

Never use garden soil in tomato pots—it compacts, lacks good drainage, and may carry pathogens. Your seedlings are in a vulnerable stage and sensitive to their environment. Instead, choose a high-quality potting mix with peat moss or loamy soil for a light, well-draining texture that retains just enough moisture. Add organic matter like compost, worm castings, or composted cow manure to boost nutrients. For extra support, mix in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.8) is ideal for tomatoes, so test your mix or grab one labeled for vegetables at local garden centers or hardware stores. Remember, tomatoes are heavy feeders, so they’ll be taking up a LOT of nutrients from the soil.

Periodic Feedings

As I just mentioned, tomato plants are heavy feeders, needing regular nutrients for fruit production. Organic options like:

liquid fish fertilizer
compost tea
liquid seaweed
bone meal
blood meal
garden lime

Apply liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks or use a slow-release fertilizer for steady feeding. When I planted our Bush Early Girl in a 5-gallon bucket, I added composted cow manure, and it’s thriving as much as our raised bed tomatoes!

Proper Drainage

Good drainage is non-negotiable. Ensure your large pots, plastic pots, or grow bags have drainage holes to prevent excess water from causing root rot. If using ceramic pots or repurposed containers like a wine barrel, drill holes if needed. Self-watering containers are a great option for consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Types and Sizes of Containers

Choose large containers to support the extensive root system of tomato plants. A 5-gallon bucket or larger pots (10-20 gallons of soil) work well for indeterminate tomatoes, while small containers suit compact varieties like Tiny Tim or cherry tomatoes. Options include:

Grow bags: Lightweight and breathable.
Plastic pots: Affordable and durable, available at garden centers.
Ceramic or clay pots: Stylish but heavy; ensure they’re food-grade. You’ll want to be careful of any types of glazes they put on the pots.
Concrete planters: Long-lasting for a permanent setup.
Wood containers: Rustic, like repurposed wine barrels. I’ve found these aren’t always the best because they have a tendency to get very beat up from the weather.

For indeterminate varieties like Sungold, use bigger pots to accommodate their 10-12 foot growth. Compact plants like Patio Choice Yellow thrive in smaller pots but still need at least 5 gallons of soil.

Check out my post on determinate and indeterminate tomato plants to help you understand the difference between the two and what you should look out for.

Support Systems

Tomato plants need a support system to stay healthy and maximize fruit production. In the wild, they sprawl or climb, but in container gardens, vertical gardening keeps them tidy. Options include:

Tomato cage: Sturdy for determinate varieties like Bush Early Girl.
Trellis: Great for indeterminate types with a vertical string for climbing.
Staking: Simple and effective for small tomato plants.

I use a tomato cage for any tomatoes we put in pots, but a trellis works wonders for taller indeterminate plants. Build your own supports for a custom fit!

Companion Planting

Plant near tomato-friendly companions to boost growth and deter pests. Friends include:

basil
Basil
Bell peppers
Parsley
Sage
Marigolds
Thyme
Tarragon
Chives
Lettuce

Many of these plants can share a large pot with your tomato seedling. Avoid foes like pole beans, kale, or fennel, which can stunt growth or attract pests. The “Seed to Spoon” app is my go-to for companion planting tips.

Compact Tomato Varieties

For small spaces, choose compact varieties or patio varieties to save room. These determinate tomatoes need less support and fit perfectly in tomato pots:

Bush Early Girl: Compact, 3-4 feet tall, 6-7 oz fruit, 54 days to harvest.
Bush Beefsteak: Determinate, 6-8 oz fruit, 62 days to harvest.
Tiny Tim: 12 inches tall, cherry-sized fruit, 60 days to harvest.
Tumbling Tom: Cascading vines for hanging baskets, 70 days to harvest.
Patio Choice Yellow: Compact, tiny grape tomatoes, 55 days to harvest.
New Big Dwarf: 2 feet tall, 60 days to harvest.
Early Wonder: 6 oz fruit, 55 days to harvest.
Clear Pink Early: Pinkish-red fruit, 58 days to harvest.

Check plant tags at your local garden center or nursery for determinate vs. indeterminate types. Compact varieties often yield earlier, perfect for a short growing season. Indeterminate varieties are usually ready later in the growing season. To extend your harvest throughout the growing season, consider getting different varieties that have different harvest dates. Don’t worry about now memorizing the days to harvest for each tomato plant. That’s normally shown on the tag of the plant when purchasing, or if you’re growing from seeds, it’s labeled on the packet.

Avoid These Mistakes When Growing Tomatoes in Pots

Wrong Container Size

Choose the right container size to avoid crowding the extensive root system. A nursery pot is fine for starting tomato seeds, but transplant to large pots or a 5-gallon bucket for mature plants. Our ceramic tomato pots gave our Bush Early Girl plenty of room, avoiding the need for up-potting.

Overwatering

Too much water leads to root rot, yellowing leaves, or blossom end rot. Test soil moisture before watering—only water when the top inch is dry. Potting mix with good drainage helps regulate water, unlike garden soil, which can waterlog plants. Inconsistent watering stresses plants, causing fruit deformation or plant death.

Overcrowding

Plant one tomato plant per pot to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal diseases. Overcrowding invites pests and reduces fruit production. Give each plant space to thrive, especially in small spaces.

Skipping Support

Unsupported tomatoes risk pests and poor air circulation. Use a tomato cage, trellis, or vertical string to lift ripe fruit and foliage off the soil surface. This extra support keeps your plant healthy and productive.

Not Pruning

Pruning is the best way to boost fruit production and plant health, especially in container gardens with limited air circulation. Trim suckers (growth between the main stem and branches) to direct energy to fruit, not foliage. Benefits include:

Better fruit quality: Larger, tastier tomatoes over tiny grape tomatoes.
Disease prevention: Removes shaded leaves to reduce fungal risks.
Stronger plants: Prevents branch breakage and boosts photosynthesis.

I’ve seen Instagram gardeners skip pruning, but for container tomatoes, it’s a game-changer for better results.

Why Container Tomatoes Are a Homesteader’s Dream

Growing tomatoes in pots is a fantastic step toward your homesteading goals, even in a suburban home garden. Or even if a homestead isn’t your goal and you’re forever an urban gardener! With the right potting mix, large containers, and compact varieties, you’ll harvest juicy, homegrown tomatoes in no time. From starting tomato seeds on a sunny windowsill to picking ripe fruit in early summer, container gardening builds skills for a future homestead while feeding your family now.

Ready to grow your best tomatoes? Grab a 5-gallon bucket, some potting mix, and a tomato cage, and start planting!

Share your favorite tomato variety or container gardening tips in the comments. Let’s make this growing season a fruitful one with Cedar Homestead! 🌿🍅

This post was all about how to grow tomatoes in pots.

Container Gardening: How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots

Why Grow Tomatoes in Pots?