trying to grow giant tomatoes in containers

tgplp · March 25, 2012

Hey guys, I'm trying to grow a giant tomato, but space won't allow for me to grow it in my usual garden. Do you have any tips on growing giant tomatoes in containers? Are tomatoes in containers generally smaller than ones grown in the ground?

Thanks!

Taryn

brismith70 · March 25, 2012

Look at the instructions for the EarthTainer. It is a self-watering sub-irrigated container. I have grown some HUGE tomatoes in them. I highly recommend it for larger vegetables, too.

Brian

casserole · March 25, 2012

use a large container ,doesn't need to be an eathtaner ,trim plant to keep only a few fruit,keep fertilized, pray to Tomato Gods

amideutch · March 25, 2012

Being in the PNW a large Open, bottom draining container Or a 10-15 gal Smart Pot should do fine. I don't think SWC's are a good choice in your climate. Use Myco's and Actinovate on plant out and feed your plant regularly with something like GE Floramato or BioBizz BioGrow depending whether you want to go the inorganic or organic route. Periodic applications of a fungicide is advised during plant growth. Ami

kurt · March 25, 2012

For years of trying to grow in the ground here in S Florida I went to container gardening.The soil was not good in my area,the bugs,the critters and the rain(sometimes up to 4-5 inches a day)moved me into my screened in pool enclosure.In the beginning used 2 gallon black containers,good results but found the rootballs filled in and escaping out of the drain holes too early and forcing me to water and fertilize too often(too much work).Graduated to 4 gallon containers and after the season when removing rootballs found that still had plenty of room for growth and was able to spread leftovers in lawn for the best lawn on the block.Plants top out for cherrys up yo 15 ft.vines and am able to get regular rounds to 8-10ft.Containers let you "push" the plants the way you want it to.More ferts, more water,more plant.You can control weeds ,bugs,and are transportable when needed.I can pull the plant out for attention or discard if nor preforming as I want.End of season rootball diagnosis was/is a key for me.You are able to contain ferts and water in the container otherwise in open ground you are just wasting time and money.Cleaning the containers(nuking)after and before each season has eliminated all the fungas and diseases I had encountered during my first couple of years.Keep your hands and gardening tools clean after each use helps in disease control.Have a nice season and good luck.

Elliot · April 25, 2012

We have grown tomatoes in large containers for years but we have had no luck with the really large tomatoes like the beefsteaks.

March 25, 2012	#1
tgplp Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pacific North West, zone 8a Posts: 510	trying to grow giant tomatoes in containers Hey guys, I'm trying to grow a giant tomato, but space won't allow for me to grow it in my usual garden. Do you have any tips on growing giant tomatoes in containers? Are tomatoes in containers generally smaller than ones grown in the ground? Thanks! Taryn

March 25, 2012	#4
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	Being in the PNW a large Open, bottom draining container Or a 10-15 gal Smart Pot should do fine. I don't think SWC's are a good choice in your climate. Use Myco's and Actinovate on plant out and feed your plant regularly with something like GE Floramato or BioBizz BioGrow depending whether you want to go the inorganic or organic route. Periodic applications of a fungicide is advised during plant growth. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

March 25, 2012	#2
brismith70 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 71	Look at the instructions for the EarthTainer. It is a self-watering sub-irrigated container. I have grown some HUGE tomatoes in them. I highly recommend it for larger vegetables, too. Brian

March 25, 2012	#3
casserole Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dousman, WI Z5 Posts: 95	use a large container ,doesn't need to be an eathtaner ,trim plant to keep only a few fruit,keep fertilized, pray to Tomato Gods

March 25, 2012	#5
kurt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Homestead,Everglades City Fl. Posts: 2,491	For years of trying to grow in the ground here in S Florida I went to container gardening.The soil was not good in my area,the bugs,the critters and the rain(sometimes up to 4-5 inches a day)moved me into my screened in pool enclosure.In the beginning used 2 gallon black containers,good results but found the rootballs filled in and escaping out of the drain holes too early and forcing me to water and fertilize too often(too much work).Graduated to 4 gallon containers and after the season when removing rootballs found that still had plenty of room for growth and was able to spread leftovers in lawn for the best lawn on the block.Plants top out for cherrys up yo 15 ft.vines and am able to get regular rounds to 8-10ft.Containers let you "push" the plants the way you want it to.More ferts, more water,more plant.You can control weeds ,bugs,and are transportable when needed.I can pull the plant out for attention or discard if nor preforming as I want.End of season rootball diagnosis was/is a key for me.You are able to contain ferts and water in the container otherwise in open ground you are just wasting time and money.Cleaning the containers(nuking)after and before each season has eliminated all the fungas and diseases I had encountered during my first couple of years.Keep your hands and gardening tools clean after each use helps in disease control.Have a nice season and good luck.

April 25, 2012	#6
Elliot Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hicksville, New York Posts: 503	We have grown tomatoes in large containers for years but we have had no luck with the really large tomatoes like the beefsteaks.