First things first. Tomato ( Solanum Lycopersicum) is a fruit, best described as an edible berry. It is regarded as a fruit because of the flowering nature and the possession of seed in it. Beyond the nutritional benefits is the broad usage healthwise. This also extends to even skin health benefits. Tomato is from the family of Solanaceae (nightshades).
Not everyone would be in areas that tomatoes can be planted bountifully or always available. This brings forth the option of planting tomatoes in containers at home or in your little gardening space.
IS IT WISE TO PLANT TOMATOES AT HOME?
Yes, it is. Most times, as earlier said, the supply of tomatoes in a location might be limited due to certain circumstances hence, the most advisable way is to plant at home. On the other hand, tomatoes bought might not be completely ripened which causes reduced natural flavor and ethylene- a gaseous hormone that is produced during their ripening process.
Related: how to make tomatoes grow fast and bigger
WHAT KIND OF TOMATO SHOULD I PLANT AT HOME?
Climates influence the variety of tomatoes across the world and they are known as cultivars which are over 12,000, some of which vary in colors like yellow, orange, red, etc.
Tomatoes are perennial plants that can be cultivated annually. Broadly, there are determinate and indeterminate tomatoes.
Determinate tomatoes are fruitful once before relapsing while indeterminate tomatoes produce continuously due to their botanical production of flowers along with the vines.
There is also the heirloom and hybrid cultivar. The heirloom cultivar is protected and continued for years prolonging its existence.
They are open-pollinated. The hybrid tomatoes are simply understood to be cross-pollinated tomato cultivars. Varieties of tomato are a better boy, cherry tomato, Campari tomato, Roma tomato, beefsteak tomato, cocktail tomato, green tomato among other numerous types.
The variety depends on your choice and the available ones in your locality.
Tip: Learn more on how to choose the best seeds planting
HOW TO TEST MY TOMATO SEEDS
Put tomato seeds in water and leave for 15 minutes. Check after 15 minutes to see if it floats or settles at the base. If it settles, that means the seeds are viable.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PLANT TOMATOES AT HOME
If you are planting tomatoes you need the tomato seeds or seedlings, deep containers, loose- well-draining soil, watering can, organic fertilizer.
You also need to provide a spacious and good sunny area because tomatoes are warm-weather vegetables.
Related: How to harvest tomatoes step by step
HOW DO I PLANT TOMATO SEEDS IN A POT
Tomato seeds for planting should be started indoors. Tomato seeds are started for transplanting and they can last for about two weeks.
Irrespective of that, get a sandy loamy soil or a sterile seed mix for planting the tomato seeds in a tray and make little holes. Place the seeds into the soil.
It’s advisable to plant two-three seeds per hole because one seed might not have 100% assurance for germination so the others seed balances the equation in such circumstances.
Place the seeds in the hole and lightly cover the seeds with soil. Water lightly and ensure that the container is in a warm place.
Tip: learn more on how to grow plants from seeds
HOW DO I TRANSPLANT TOMATO SEEDLINGS To POTS
The seeds start to germinate as baby seedlings’. Transplanting can be done when the seeds already have tangible green flowers. And with this, you can transplant them to large containers individually.
Each seedling should be put in individual pots. To transplant, gently uproot the seedlings with little soil, and place them into miniature pots or plant bags filled with prepared soil.
As at the point of transplanting, gradually expose the seedlings and mature plant to the sun up until the final transplant and stage of complete maturity.
For further planting, you can transplant when the pot plant has become mature; this is when you transplant the soil from the pot to your gardening space prior to complete maturity.
Tip: for details about transplanting seedlings, read our step-by-step guide to transplanting plants here.
HOW DO I MONITOR MY TOMATO SEEDS
Tomato plants grow in well-drained loamy soil with a ph of 5.8-7.0. To prepare the soil, put compost deeply into the soil. Plant your tomato deep into the soil and also in a well-ventilated and sunny area.
Rich soil- The rich nutrients of the loamy soil will determine the richness of the flavor of the tomato fruit. For transplanting into the soil, make the plant distance to be 17-25 inches apart to give them full room to grow.
Tip: learn more on how to take care of your plants
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed how to grow tomatoes at home in pots. I hope the article helps you understand how to grow tomatoes at home in pots. I would like to hear from you. Let me know if you have any questions.
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