Growing tomatoes in a container can be just as successful as in the ground and may even yield a larger harvest. Several steps must be followed to ensure healthy thriving container tomatoes.
First a little seedling must be planted in a pot large enough for full growth; it will seem dwarfed, but it will soon grow into the space. The pot should be fill with good potting soil or prepared compost to nurture the tomato plant. If compost is used. Not much, if any, chemical fertilizer will be needed. The soil should be poured in nearly to the top, then scooped out to plant the seedling.
The seedling should be planted so that it's first set of leaves are below soil level; this depth will encourage root growth along the bottom of the stem and ensure better plant establishment. The more roots a plant grows, its capacity to soak up water and nutrients from the soil.
The container then needs to be place in a sunny spot and watered regularly; tomatoes need full sun and plenty of water to thrive. As the tomato plant grows it will need the support of a strong, tall stake or tomato cage, or the weight of the fruit will break the main stem. The stems can be tied gently to the support with strips of cloth.
Finally, when the plant has flowered and tomatoes began to ripen, the fruit must be picked regularly; doing so triggers the plant to keep producing more tomatoes. Grow tomatoes in this way often allows better control of the plants' environment and, as a result, yields more fruit.