We usually err on the light side of whatever the manufacturer recommends. Hi Nancy. You can also use cages to support indeterminate varieties, with little-to-no pruning needed. This provides a constant source of nutrients for the tomato plants. In addition to in raised beds, we also grow a few tomatoes in containers each summer – even in our driveway! The goal is to be sure they’re strong, ready, and will not go into a state of shock or break once they’re exposed to outdoor elements. Others are touted for being the ideal canning and sauce tomato, such as paste tomatoes or Roma varieties. That area is then more susceptible to rot, insect, bacteria, or fungal damage. The Cliffnotes: look for varieties well-suited for your climate or space, choose the healthiest and freshest looking seedlings (biggest isn’t always better!) Wait, I lied… Let’s back up to a week before planting first. That also means they don’t need a lot of fancy training. Heck, the majority of you probably have a better climate to grow far more amazing tomatoes than we do! Two other things to consider are mulching and support. In the meantime, here is the quick and dirty: The most common pests and diseases that inflict tomatoes include fungal diseases and mildews (e.g. After you have the plant set at the proper level, fill in around it with potting soil, patting down lightly as you go. My hope is to inspire the love for a similar lifestyle or hobbies in others ~ by sharing real-life tips and tools to make “modern homesteading” activities easy, understandable, and enjoyable ~ so you can learn and dive in with me! A popular support option for indeterminate tomatoes is to train the vining plants up a single tall stake. If it appears your tomato seedling root ball has become “root bound”, where there are a lot of visible roots winding around each other, gently loosen the roots before planting the seedling in the hole. However, don’t bury more than half of the plant height. © Homestead and Chill 2020 All rights reserved. Check out this video if you are interested to learn more about the lower and lean support system. cage, stakes, trellis) that can fit in or around your chosen container. Mulching, while less important in a container than in a garden bed, is still a good idea — it keeps weeds from growing in the tomato pot and retains moisture so you won't have to water quite as often. of potting soil and set a transplant at the bottom of the pot. If you do choose to prune sucker branches, do so early! It is too cool and humid here to thoroughly dry tomatoes for safe long-term storage without one. Ah, the age-old question and debate in the tomato growing world. Thank you for hard work on this. Even if the plants become a bit unruly and bushy, you can run twine across sections of the trellis to pull them back – similar to the Florida weave. If allowed to grow, sucker branches WILL eventually produce fruit. When planting the tomato, put some soil in the bottom of the pot and set the tomato plant in. Cover with a thin layer of the mix and water gently. Develop a consistent watering schedule. Tomato seed are best started in punnets, small pots or multi-celled seed trays. Gently break away or cut off the lowermost side branches that would otherwise get buried before planting. From there, choose varieties that sound delicious of course, and will suit both your desires and climate. If you have clay soil, amend it with sand, coco coir or peat moss to improve drainage and texture. it depends on where you live! Certain tomato varieties are known for their excellent fresh-eating qualities, often called great “slicers” or salad tomatoes. Here in the temperate fog, we can get away with watering tomatoes only twice per week. Fill the pots with soil as the plant grows Nutrients should be well mixed with the soil before the tomato containers are filled. Your zone-specific calendar will help guide you on when to start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings out, or sow seeds directly outside – for dozens of types of vegetables! Most garden centers also carry at least a dozen different types of tomato seedlings to choose from.