Suggested Tomatoes For Container Gardening.
There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato container garden:
Bush Varieties: The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers and are popular with container gardeners.
Cherry Varieties: Cherry tomatoes and Grape tomatoes work well also because of their size and are good for growing when there is limited space.
Determinate Varieties: Most tomato plants labeled "determinate" are suitable for growing in 5 gallon size or larger containers. Plant tags and seed packages will indicate whether a tomato is "dertiminate", or "indeterminate". Determinate tomato plants are varieties that grow to a fixed mature size and ripen all their fruit in a short period, usually about 2 weeks.
Indeterminate Varieties: Most "indeterminate" (vining varieties) tomato plants will require a 10 gallon size or larger container. Indeterminate tomato plants are actually vines that continue growing in length throughout the growing season. Also referred to as "vining" tomatoes, indeterminate tomato varieties will also continue to set and ripen fruit until killed off by frost.
Natural Pest Control for Container Grown Tomatoes
One of the best things you can do to grow the most flavorful tomatoes involves companion planting. This means planting plants side by side that get along or benefit each other in one way or another. There are several plants that are good companions for tomatoes but one actually improves the flavor. That plant is Basil. Not sure how it does this, but it does. It probably has something to do with keeping the tomato plant healthy. The aroma of basil deters many tomato pests so that the plant can concentrate on flowering and fruit production.
By growing your own tomato container garden you will have the choice and comfort to know that there were no pesticides used on your plants, if you choose not to use toxic pesticides. With all the controversy going on about pesticides knowing that yours are pesticide free can be a comforting thought - an advantage for you and your family. Here is a good natural pest deterrent:
In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests. See, that's easy, less expensive, and safe!
