While the idea of using pots and growing tomatoes in buckets are largely the same, there are a few key differences worth investigating. When planting in pots and growing tomatoes in buckets, select slightly different varieties of both tomatoes and tomato plants. Also, add a light pre-fertilizer to the planting hole prior to you put your tomato plant into the ground.
It’s better to grow tomato plants from seed than it is from purchasing a plant at the nursery and then trying to propagate it to grow in your garden. The tomato plant has a tendency to be more heat resistant than seeds. As an added bonus, growing tomatoes in containers will save you money because the seeds will go to waste when you purchase them for planting in your garden. If you do choose to save the seeds for future use, be sure to plant in partial sun to help ensure the seeds get enough warmth to germinate.
It’s best to prepare the container for planting just as you would if you were going to plant a seed. Remove the dirt from around the base and remove any weeds. Prepare the potting soil by digging a hole about an inch larger than the root ball of the seed. Place the seed in the hole and gently remove the dirt. Then fill with potting soil.
Another advantage of growing your tomatoes in buckets is that you can give them an early start on nutrients. Just before you plant your seed, you can put a shallow layer of fertilizer on the surface of the soil. You can also make a small fertilizer paste from compost and water with a spray attachment or a spray bottle, using liquid fertilizer as needed.
If you are growing larger varieties, it may be more economical to purchase several smaller buckets, rather than one large one. You can purchase five gallon buckets or larger. The difference in price may be worth it because larger varieties can be given additional fertilization at a later time. Also, buying several smaller buckets for growing different varieties of tomatoes will allow you to rotate which ones you eat on a daily basis.
There are three popular varieties of tomato plants used in garden planning – determinate, aromatic and bush tomatoes. All three require different amounts of space for growing. Determinate tomatoes require about three feet of space, while bush varieties need about four feet. Since all varieties have the ability to produce berries, it is important to get the correct spacing for them. Bush varieties can be given organic matter like whole grains or straw to help with obtaining adequate space.
For those who are new to growing these plants, they are known to produce high yields with minimal care. This is because most varieties can be grown without any soil. A successful garden is one that is able to provide healthy tomatoes for eating at a very low cost. Due to their low costs, they are also perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to invest much in their garden, or those who have tight budgets.
While they do require a great deal of care, they are worth the extra time involved. Growing your own tomatoes helps you save money on grocery shopping since they are so easy to prepare. They also add a great bit of home to the taste of your food. Whether you grow them in a large container or a small garden bed, you can enjoy delicious-tasting tomatoes all year long with this unique solution. With an array of colors to choose from, it is easy to see why growing tomatoes in buckets has become such a popular way to grow these popular plants.