Kitchen Garden Forum

I'd like to ask how many tomato plants would I be able to grow comfortably in a 19" round container....much the same size or bit more depthwise?
I haven't grown any vegetables for some years now, but am getting the urge to start again.
Many thanks,
Glory B
(great forum by the way...a mine of information here)

In the past i have put one plant in a twelve inch bucket, (the sort that contains chicken manure pellets) so I guess a container or your size could take two or three at least, depends on the type of plant, the smaller plants probably two or three, the larger plants no more than two I would suggest.

Well done for getting growing again!!

Thanks Compo...I think I'll go for three plants, give it a try anyway and see how they go.
Reading the different posts here has inspired me to make use of recycled containers...you know, I'm beginning to see them in a different light.
Anyway, thanks again Compo.

I've got some 20"pots outside that I'm going to put 3 toms in and stop them at the 2nd or 3rd truss depending on how well they're doing,I figure they should be O.K. with regular feeding.
I normally put geraniums in them but I lost all my saved plants over winter so I decided that the patio's going veggie this year!

Glory B, three plants should be alright, it might pay to feed them a little more often than normal.
If you are going to use canes to support them, it would help if you angle them so they lean out a little at the top. This will help to let more light and air in. If you really wanted to, you could make a wire hoop up to hold the top of the canes.

Kind regards Old Herbaceous.

Theres no fool like an old fool.

Ah right...now I was about to ask regarding canes. I have 4ft and 6ft.
Considering I'm expecting them to grow quite heavy with huge trusses of fruit do you reckon on the 6ft?
I was thinking I would have to insert them to more or less bottom of container which would be about 20", would you agree?
I'll take into account what you say about positioning them.
And about feeding, what do you suggest to be the best?
Thanks now.

If you're going to feed using a propriatory tomato liquid feed, can I suggest that you get if from your nearest £ shop ( or other bargain establishment) as it's the same product that you'll find at other suppliers, but for a fraction of the cost. In fact, one of the ones near my place of work is selling double sized bottles this year for 99p.

I can't resist a bargain, so I've got a fair few in stock already!

Thanks Tigger...I shall definitely go for that.
As for the canes have found the 4ft to be the best...especially if I take Carole B's advice and stop them at 3 maybe 4 trusses.
Quite honestly, the 6ft made it look as though I really fancied my chances.
Much thanks for all your suggestions.

You could always put the taller canes in latter, if the plants do really well.

Kind regards the ever hopeful Old Herbaceous.

It will either rain or get dark.

Dear oldherbaceous I shall most certainly keep them at the ready!

Hi there Glory B,

What variety is it that you're planting ?
as that would make a huge difference to how many plants per 19 incher or height of canes that I'd think of using..., as in the natural 'growth habit' of that particular variety, if you get my drift (!)
and whether it's a Beefsteak variety, a 'normal' sized 'slicing' tomato variety, or a 'cherry' type ?

It may help your final decision if peoples were to know more ?

lots of luck
Wellie

Hi Wellie...well they are the 'normal' type.
Alicante and Moneymaker....also Golden Sunrise and Tigarella. Last two I haven't tried before...they should arrive tomorrow. But I'm sure they are the 'normal' type too.
I remember years ago 70's I had 4 victorian chimney pots...tall and slim, and I grew tomato plants in these, one a pot. As far as I remember they were Moneymaker and the tomatoes were huge, as big as the beefsteak variety today...and a wonderful flavour. I'm sure it had something to do with the root system, but I'm sure you would know more about that than me.
Sadly I got rid of them...only wish now I still had them....the pots that is.
So am I still okay for 3 a pot Wellie?

Glory B

Three sounds good ! and I'd be greedy and go for the taller canes for more trusses......
Don't wish to make you jealous here GloryB, but I've got a Clematis montana (a highly scented one) growing in a chimney pot....
Lots of luck
Wellie

Jealous? As if.......no really it sounds wonderful. But tell me, is the pot against the wall...what sort of support does it have?
What a great idea.
Of course you know I shall be copying this. or at least trying to.
I still have a half-size louvre chimney pot, but I have to put a flower pot inside it to grow anything. I haven't bothered for a couple of years and so at the moment it's home for the snail population.
Bye the way, about the canes, I'll take your advice and plump for the taller, they will be against a South facing wall, which should also help with growth.
Thanks Wellie

Your fault Glory B...!

But 'just quickly' before I get told off by management for it. My chimney pot is a 'louvre' too, so I lined it with an old compost bag so the soil wouldn't leach out of the louvres and it's at the corner of my 'affectionately but falsely named Potting Shed' where the Clematis is planted in the top and its roots are 'well shaded' and growing downwards to join the soil at ground level. It joins the wild bramble, ivy and now my ever-increasingly prided (two year old) wisteria, who has just done me so completely proud this year I could simply weep with joy.
You're welcome to Private Message me if it would help you 'copy' my idea, I can let you know the variety, colour and so forth....
lots of luck,
wellie