Growing Tomatoes in Containers

Growing tomatoes in containers can be extremely productive and a great way for people to grow the fruit in small spaces.

While I do have a small amount of land where I live, there is a lot of weeds and I find growing in the soil almost impossible. My solution was to go down to the local fish and chip shop and get the polystyrene boxes that the fish is transported in. After drilling holes, I fill them with either good quality potting mix, or hydroponically used sawdust which can be picked up cheaply. As you can see to the right, I have planted out seedlings and covered them with shadecloth which allows the plants plenty of light, but protection from the elements.

When growing tomatoes in containers of this type, shade cloth keeps the tomatoes protected and slows down the water loss from the soil.

Many people buy buckets and drill holes in the bottom, but there are also plastic moulded containers made especially for people who dont have any space.Simply buying 4 buckets and 40l of potting mix will allow you to grow 4 large tomato plants in containers which will supply you with a fair amount of fruit.

IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING:
Yes, botanically the tomato is a fruit as it is the ovary of a flowering plant ! The reason it has been known as a vege is that in 1887 the US tax on vegetables was challenged in the supreme court. It was ultimately concluded that the Tomato was a vegetable due to the way it was eaten ! Cant argue with the Supreme Court, right ?!