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Tomato Container Gardens
by Mary Hanna
Tomato container gardens are an alternative to a traditional tomato
garden. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, well in this
case fruits, of people around the world. They can be used in so many
ways, in a salad or to make a sauce for pasta and a myriad of other ways
in your culinary pursuits. Sadly in some places tomatoes are being
priced at three dollars per pound or more. Fortunately, everyone can
grow their own tomatoes, even people that live in apartments. The answer
is to grow a tomato container garden. You can grow them on a patio or
balcony or in a bright sunny room in your home. The number one essential
is sun. Tomatoes require a lot of light and will not thrive without out
it. The materials you will need to gather for your tomato container
garden are simple. You will need containers that are about five gallons
in size. Only plant one tomato plant per pot. You will need soil, tomato
seedlings and stakes or a wire cage to hold the plant upright. String,
or products called twist-tie or sturdy-tie will be needed to tie the
plant to the stakes or cages. You will need a plastic tray for drainage;
good drainage is essential to the health of your tomato container
garden. Last need on the list is fertilizer.
There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato
container garden. The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers
and are popular with container gardeners. Cherry tomatoes and Christmas
Grape tomatoes work well also because of their size and many gardeners
grow them when space is limited. Other varieties that will flourish in a
tomato container garden are Celebrity, Early Girl, and Sweet 100's. It
really depends on which variety you want to grow and for what purposes.
If you will be growing them mainly for salads the cherry varieties are
the way to go.
As mentioned before, sunlight is a requirement in order to grow your
tomato container garden. Scout out the area you are planning to use for
your tomatoes. The spot for your tomato container garden must get at
least four to six hours of sunlight. The more light the better since the
sun promotes healthy, steady growth. The two most important elements for
success in tomato container gardening is sunlight and water.
By growing your own tomato container garden you will know that there
were no pesticides used on your plants. With all the controversy going
on about pesticides knowing that yours is pesticide free is 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. Other pluses to this type of garden is you no longer will be
paying high prices for tomatoes, your containers won't take up much
space and one plant usually yields enough tomatoes to feed your family.
The cost of a tomato container garden is minimal and the feeling of
accomplishment is great. So why are you waiting to plant your tomatoes?
It's time to choose the variety of tomato you want to grow, pick up some
containers and start your tomato container gardens today.
Happy Container Gardening!
About the author
Mary Hanna is an aspiring
herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens
inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on
Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at
Gardening Landscaping Tips,
Gardening Outside and
Indoor Herb Garden.
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