Remember when everyone said to use deep pots for tomatoes?

I started my balcony garden in 2019 with two tomato plants in huge, heavy pots. They barely produced anything. Last year, I switched to a compact determinate variety called 'Tiny Tim' in a standard 12-inch pot, and I got more fruit than I could eat! I think a lot of people still push for big containers without considering the plant type. Has anyone else had better luck with smaller plants in smaller spaces?

3 comments

3 Comments

angela8991mo ago

Oh man, the big pot advice is like a gardening myth that just won't die. I did the same thing, bought these giant tubs and my plants were all leaves, no tomatoes. Switched to a patio variety in a normal pot and it was a total game changer. It's like they forget that some tomatoes are just meant to be small. You don't need a swimming pool for a goldfish.

hall.ruby1mo ago

Ugh, yes! I learned that the hard way too. Those huge pots just let the roots spread out forever making a giant leafy bush, but all the energy goes to leaves, not fruit. Now I match the pot size to the tomato type. A smaller determinate variety in a five gallon bucket will out-produce a giant plant in a tub every single time.

ryan_carr5914d ago

My buddy had the same thing happen, just like @angela899 said.