• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Walking On Sunshine Recipes

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • SHOP
  • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home and Garden » Gardening

    5 Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomatoes in Containers

    Published: Jun 2, 2018 · Modified: Feb 11, 2021 by Lois · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    802 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Here are 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomatoes in Containers this summer because not all of us have an acre of land to plant a garden.

    Man holding bunch of tomatoes from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

    We love to garden and are fortunate enough to have enough property to grow our tomatoes the normal way...in the ground.  However, for some people that's not the case and they decide to try growing tomatoes in containers. 

    Growing Tomatoes in Containers

    Container gardening has become super popular in recent years.  While growing herbs remain the favorite choice, many are now also trying to grow tomatoes in containers.  And a lot of people are having a ton of success while other's are not.

    If done right, you can have a successful crop of tomatoes this summer grown in a container that's sitting on your back deck.

    5 Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomatoes in Containers

    Choosing the Wrong Size Containers

    Unlike herb containers, you need to have bigger containers when growing tomatoes. This is because the larger the container is, the more soil it can hold as well as the ability to hold more water which in turn, provides more nutrients for your plants.

    Attempting to grow your tomatoes in small containers can lead the plants to become water and nutrient deprived pretty soon.

    Tomatoes picked from the garden held in hands from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

    Not Enough or Too Little Water

    Too much or too little water as well, can be a big mistake to avoid while growing tomatoes. With too much water, the plant will drown, and with too little water, the blossoms will rot.

    Keep checking the plants occasionally and water them until the soil remains damp, not wet,  just damp.  Also, make sure the pot has holes so there is proper drainage for the plant.

    Tomatoes in Wooden Basket with sprig of herbs on top from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

    Not Enough Sunlight

    Tomatoes are sun loving plants, so you’ve got to be absolutely sure that you give them enough exposure to sunlight for them to grow at their best. Tomatoes thrive in the hot afternoon sun.

    Large quantity of home-grown tomatoes from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

    Overcrowding

    One of the worst mistakes you could possibly make with container gardening, specifically when it comes to planting tomatoes, is overcrowding the plants. Make sure you have just one tomato plant in one container and nothing else.  Some people like to plant a few herbs around the base of the tomato plant, but it's always best to have a separate container for your herbs to grow.

    Watering tomato plant in container from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

    Growing them Upside Down

    If you read gardening blogs, you may have come across lately the advice to grow tomatoes upside down. However, tomatoes truly taste best when grown the traditional way.

    A bunch of beautiful grape tomatoes from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

    If you keep in mind these common mistakes and stick to the basics, you’ll be enjoying fresh tomato sandwiches in no time this summer!

    More Beautiful Gardening Tips and Ideas: 

    • How to Grow Hostas
    • Tips on Growing Tomatoes
    • Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomatoes in Containers
    • Tips on Growing Sunflowers in  your Garden
    • Outdoor Gardening Inspiration
    Mistakes to Avoid when Growing Tomatoes in Containers

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara Chapman says

      May 14, 2020 at 2:25 pm

      Thank you, Lois, for the reminder about not crowding the tomato plants. 🙂 I need to move my planter to a sunnier spot, too. <3

      Happy gardening to you,
      Barb 🙂

      Reply
    2. mbourtv says

      June 04, 2018 at 10:41 am

      Thank you ever so for you post.Much thanks again.

      Reply
      • Lois says

        June 04, 2018 at 1:38 pm

        Thank you for visiting!

        Reply
    3. Leona Olson says

      June 02, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      I tried the upside down years ago and did did not work. Good article.

      Reply
      • Lois says

        June 02, 2018 at 10:20 pm

        Good to know! Thanks for visiting!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes

    • Meal Plans
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Reindeer Desserts
    • Christmas Cookies
    • Cinnamon Rolls

    Connect

    • Facebook
    • Amazon
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer and Disclosure
    • Contact
    • E-Cookbooks
    • Printables, Planners, Gift Tags
    • Amazon Store

    Walking on Sunshine Creative Services, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

    Copyright © 2022 Walking On Sunshine Recipes