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If you are a beginner and want to learn how to easily grow your own tomatoes directly in pots, you are in the right place.
With this practical and accessible guide, we will help you discover all the secrets to being successful in growing tomatoes in pots, even without having much experience.
Follow us step by step and soon you will be able to enjoy your tomatoes picked directly from your garden or balcony.
Essential Equipment
To start growing tomatoes in pots, you will need a few basic tools. Here is a list of what you need:
- A seed tray with cells
- A vase with a diameter of approximately 45 cm
- Well-draining soil
- Tomato seeds
- A saucer
- Trellis or support poles
- Specific fertilizer for tomatoes
Preparing the Seed Tray
Choose a seed tray with cells, to facilitate the growth and transplantation of young shoots.
The cells avoid having to remove and throw away unwanted seedlings, allowing more orderly growth. Fill the tray with seed-specific potting soil.
Alternatively, you can use small plastic containers, such as clean yogurt pots with holes in the bottom for drainage.
Watering the soil
Before sowing, moisten the soil. This will ensure that the seeds remain in the right position after being planted and will create a moist, warm environment that will aid germination.
Sowing of Seeds
Purchase seeds from reputable retailers or a local garden center. Choose varieties suitable for growing in pots, often referred to by terms such as “patio” or “container”.
Make a small hole about 0.5 cm deep in each cell of the tray and insert one seed into each hole. Cover lightly with soil.
Germination
Cover the tray with a polyethylene bag or place it in a propagator. This will maintain a constant temperature and humidity for germination.
Place the seeds in a place with lots of sunlight, such as a windowsill, to encourage germination.
Keep the Soil Moist
During the growth of the seedlings, make sure that the soil always remains moist. Avoid using water from a container, as it may contain diseases that can affect germination. Preferably use tap water.
Hardening off seedlings
When the seedlings have two pairs of true leaves, start adapting them outdoors. Place the seedlings in front of an open window for a few days, avoiding direct sun and bad weather.
Next, gradually expose them outdoors for longer periods, bringing them back inside at night. After two or three weeks, they will be ready to be planted outside permanently.
Preparation of the Vase
Whether you grow tomatoes indoors or outdoors, select a pot that is at least 18 inches in diameter.
Fill the pot with well-draining soil rich in organic matter. This will encourage healthy root growth.
Transplanting seedlings
Gently remove the seedlings from the tray and transplant them into the new pot. Make sure the soil covers about two-thirds of the plant to encourage strong roots and healthy growth. Plant only one tomato plant per pot.
Final Positioning
Whether you grow tomatoes indoors or outdoors, the final location should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Monitor temperatures and cover plants or take them to a sheltered location if an overnight frost is expected.
Plant Support
Add a support next to each plant to support it as it grows. As the tomato grows, gently tie the stem to the support with garden wire or twine to keep it upright.
Regular watering
Regular watering is crucial for potted tomatoes, as potting soil tends to dry out quickly.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid disease and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Use a saucer to catch excess water.
Fertilization
Tomatoes require a lot of nutrients, so it is important to use a fertilizer specifically for tomatoes.
Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-2-7 and apply it weekly by mixing it with irrigation water to increase yield.
Collection
Tomatoes are ready for harvesting in summer, from July to October. Harvest tomatoes when they begin to change color and come easily off the vine.
If they are not fully ripe, leave them in a well-ventilated area until they are ready to eat.
