Decide what kind of tomatoes you want to grow. Do you eat a lot of tomatoes in sandwiches? You might want to consider an heirloom or a beefsteak. Do you eat tomatoes right off the vine? In salads? Maybe a cherry or a grape tomato is right for you. Do you like to can tomato sauce? Try a paste tomato. Better yet, try a few and see which ones do best in your deck garden.

Choosing Your Tomato Pot

Now that you have your seedlings, you need a place to put them. Tomatoes require a lot of nutrients. Plant them in a large pot at least 20 inches in diameter. Pots usually come in a few different materials like plastic or terra-cotta. Terra-cotta pots are charming, but remember that they are also very heavy. If you plan to move your tomatoes around to maximize sun exposure, consider a lighter plastic pot.

There are many alternatives to standard plant pots. Feel free to build your own planting box. Building your own planter allows you the creative freedom to design and paint it the way you want. You can also raise planters off the ground. This is helpful for gardeners who find it difficult to kneel or bend over.

Good Soil Is Key

Tomatoes need good soil in order to grow and give you juicy fruit. Most plant nurseries sell high quality potting soil along with plant food and other soil additives. Try adding compost to your potting soil for added nutrients.

Trellis Your Tomatoes For Best Results

As tomatoes grow they will need a little extra support. Provide your tomatoes with a tomato cage or a sturdy trellis. Try to keep up on your trellising, securing heavy vines to prevent them from breaking under the weight of your tomato crop.

Water and Weed

One benefit of container gardens is that they are convenient. If you spend a lot of time on your deck, remembering to water and weed your tomatoes is easy. Just bring out a pitcher of water each time you go out. Check the soil by inserting a finger a few inches into the pot. If the soil is damp, your tomato is not thirsty. If the soil is dry, give it a drink.

Harvest and Enjoy

When your tomatoes are ripe and ready, pick them and savor the taste of your success. Tomatoes make excellent additions to the grill, as well as in summer salads. Your tomato garden will bring new life to your deck. If your deck starts to look shabby in comparison to your tomatoes, contact us.