HOW TO GROW CHERRY TOMATOES - IN POTS

Cherry Tomatoes are wonderful for container gardens, or growing in pots.

These small, prolific tomatoes are perfect for patio gardens, and they make an easy to reach healthy snack, plus, they are high in vitamin C. 

It's very convenient to grow tomatoes on your porch or patio because they are closer to the house and easy to watch for ripening fruit, and pick. This way, you can select the freshest newly ripened cherry tomatoes to add to your pasta or dinner salad. 

START WITH SEEDS OR STARTS

There are many varieties to choose from, some have thinner skin, some varieties are taller, and some sweeter. They come in many colors that can really brighten up a salad, such as red, dark red yellow fruit, and there is even a pink variety. Find the seeds or starts that are best for your location and sound good to you. You can start seeds inside, 6 to 8 weeks before you expect the last frost, in smaller pots and then transplant them or start them in the larger pots.. 

The best size of pot to use has a minimum size of 5 to 7 gallons, to ensure ample space for a large root system. This root system will take up nutrients and nourish your plant. The happier your plant is the more it will make delicious juicy fresh tomatoes, so give your starts room to grow by planting them in a nice large pot. If you have more than one pot, make sure they are 24” apart, with a tray underneath to hold the water and protect wood decks.

USE A TOMATO CAGE

The other reason to start with a larger size pot is that a tomato cage can be used to support the plants. A cage is important to add right away, so you won't damage the plant trying to fit it to a cage after it becomes leggy. As the Cherry tomato plant grows up the trellis, air can move more freely around the leaves of the plant, this greatly helps in preventing fungus and wilt from developing. The other reason to use a tomato cage is you can easily see all the fruit that is ripe enough to pick.

SUN AND SOIL

Make sure your plants will get plenty of sun, at least 6 hours every day. Plant them in a rich well drained potting mix, using some compost at the top, but not around the stem. 

JUST ADD WATER

Water well all around the plant, keeping water off the stem. 

Never water plants overhead because moisture will encourage fungus and fruit cracking.

HARVEST AND ENJOY!

Your cherry tomatoes should be ready to harvest about 60 days after planting from seed,

depending on temperature and what variety you have.

In general, cherry tomatoes are ready to harvest when they become plump and colorful, loose on the vine and easy to pick. 

Cherry tomatoes can eaten fresh, or add them to salads, pasta, or many dishes of your choice.

They can be juiced, canned and preserved as dried fruit in oil, mashed or pureed as sauce.