Indeterminate tomato plants continue to grow for the entire growing season, and will produce tomatoes all summer and into the fall. This stands in contrast with determinate tomato plants, which grow to be a specific size, produce a single harvest of tomatoes, then decline. Perhaps the greatest challenge a gardener faces when growing indeterminate tomatoes in containers is the sheer size of indeterminate plants, and related to that, their water requirements. Tomatoes require an impressive amount of water throughout the growing season and the larger the plant, the more water it requires. Containers are thus limiting because unlike in-ground soil, they can only hold small amounts of water. For this reason, the cultivation of tomatoes in containers is somewhat different from the cultivation of tomatoes growing freely in the soil.
Grow varieties of indeterminates that are known to be compact and appropriate for containers, such as "Husky Red Hybrid" and "Husky Gold Hybrid," for best results.
Plant your indeterminate tomatoes in the correct size container for the mature plant. Use 5-gallon pots for dwarf or cherry varieties, 15-gallon pots for plants that produce fruit that grows to about 4 ounces, and 30-gallon pots for medium or large sized tomatoes, such as "Purple Cherokee" or "Beefmaster."
Use a growing medium that is formulated for container planting. Growing mediums appropriate for tomatoes in containers are sold at nurseries and home and garden centers.
Plant the tomatoes deep in the soil, so that only one-third of the plant protrudes above the soil in the pot. The buried portion of the plant will sprout roots over time.
Stake or cage larger varieties of tomatoes. As the tomato plants grow, secure them to the stake or cage with ties.
Water deeply after planting, then establish a regular watering schedule. Early in the season, every three days should be acceptable.
Fertilize the tomatoes with a slow-release pelleted fertilizer approximately 2 weeks after planting. Use a 20-20-20 fertilizer until the plant begins to flower, then switch to a 9-15-30 fertilizer or one formulated specifically for tomatoes.
Increase your watering habits as the plants grow larger.
Harvest tomatoes when they are uniform in color. After the first tomatoes have ripened, check plants once per week for more tomatoes.
Things You Will Need
- Container-formulated growing medium
- Stake or cage
- Fertilizer (20-20-20 and 9-15-30)
- As you establish your watering schedule, look for signs of drought stress, like cupped or drooping leaves. This is an indication that the plant needs water.
- Gardeners who have grown tomatoes in the ground in previous years will need to remember that tomatoes grown in containers will run out of water more quickly. During periods of high heat or intense sunlight, tomatoes will likely need watering on a daily basis.
- Ripe tomatoes sink in water. If your tomatoes won't sink, they may be ripened on a bright window sill.
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