Growing tomatoes in grow bags is rapidly becoming a popular way to garden in small spaces while reducing disease pressure.
As someone who has never been able to grow a tomato due to heavy blight in my area, using grow bags has made growing tomatoes possible for me!
In this article, we’ll discuss which grow bags to use, how to grow tomatoes in grow bags, which tomato varieties are best, plus tips for an excellent tomato harvest!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products (including Amazon). I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you! Regardless, I only link to products that I personally use on our homestead or believe in.
Growing tomatoes in grow bags has become increasingly popular for home gardeners in recent years. Grow bags allow you to grow tomatoes even if you have limited space, and they can help reduce disease pressure.
But not all grow bags are created equal when it comes to growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes. Here is an in-depth look at the best grow bag options for getting a bountiful tomato harvest.
Why Use Grow Bags for Tomatoes?
There are several key advantages to using grow bags instead of planting tomatoes directly in the ground:
- Great for small spaces like patios and decks
- Provide excellent drainage and aeration for healthy roots
- Elevate tomatoes off the ground to reduce disease risk
- Allow you to control the soil quality and nutrients
- Portable to move sun or shade as needed
- Reusable for multiple seasons
The Best Materials for Tomato Grow Bags
Tomato grow bags are available in a few different materials, but fabric is hands-down the best option. Avoid plastic bags.
Fabric bags Made of felt-like polypropylene or polyester fabric these bags breathe well while being durable enough for multiple uses. Fabric handles make them easy to move.
Plastic bags: Don’t provide good airflow. Can get brittle and crack over time. Too lightweight and prone to blowing over.
Bucket or basket Too small for tomato roots Use fabric bags in larger 15-25 gallon sizes
How to Choose the Best Size Grow Bag
Bigger is always better when it comes to grow bags for tomatoes! Don’t skimp on size, as tomatoes have large root systems.
15-25 gallons is ideal for a single tomato plant. Anything smaller will stunt growth.
Popular options:
- 25 gallon – approx. 20″ diameter, 16″ tall
- 20 gallon – approx. 18″ diameter, 14″ tall
- 15 gallon – approx. 16″ diameter, 12″ tall
The extra depth allows you to plant tomatoes deeply for sturdy rooting.
The Best Soil for Tomato Grow Bags
Use a high-quality potting mix, not garden soil. Potting mixes drain well and are light enough for bags.
Look for mixes containing:
- Peat or coco coir for moisture retention
- Perlite or vermiculite for drainage
- Compost for nutrients
Or use a commercial organic potting soil blended for containers.
Setting Up Grow Bags for Success
Follow these tips when setting up your tomato grow bags:
- Place in full sun – at least 8 hours per day
- Fill bag 2/3 with potting mix
- Bury tomato seedling deep, removing lowest leaves
- Add compost and slow-release organic fertilizer
- Stake plants with tall, sturdy cages
- Mulch top of bag to retain moisture
- Water daily, twice daily in heat
The Best Tomato Varieties for Grow Bags
Choose compact, determinate tomatoes that grow well in containers:
- Red Deuce (65 days)
- Mountain Merit (75 days)
- Ultra Girl (65 days)
- Sun Gold Cherry (65 days)
- Sweet 100 Cherry (65 days)
Avoid sprawling indeterminate varieties that require more space.
Maintaining Healthy Tomato Plants in Grow Bags
- Prune suckers weekly for best growth
- Prune leaves touching soil to prevent disease
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks
- Check soil moisture daily – don’t let it dry out
- Move bags to a sheltered spot during storms
- Move bags indoors before first fall frost for extended harvest
The Bottom Line on the Best Grow Bags for Tomatoes
Fabric grow bags in 15-25 gallon sizes allow home gardeners to grow tomatoes even with limited space. For best results, use bags with potting mix and determinate tomatoes. Maintain optimal moisture and nutrients, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful tomato harvest!
Is it best to grow tomatoes in pots or grow bags?
Grow bags are far superior to pots when growing tomatoes. Pots are heavy, breakable, expensive, and often have poor drainage as well. Pots can also “bake” in the heat, frying your poor tomato plants.
Lastly, grow bags utilize “air pruning” for a healthy root system. When the roots reach the drier soil on the bag’s exterior, the roots stop growing and branch out. Creating an extensive web of healthy roots. In pots, the roots continue to grow and wrap around the pot’s exterior, eventually strangling the tomato plant.
Steps for Growing Tomatoes in Grow Bags
1) Place your empty grow bag in a location with 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. I’ve found best success with the placed on the grass. They can overheat when placed on asphalt.
2) Fill grow bag halfway with organic potting mix
3) Snip off your tomato plant’s bottom set of leaves (see photo with arrows pointing to which ones should be removed) with clean scissors or garden shears. Trust me!
4) Place tomato plant in your grow bag and fill the the rest of the way, up to 2” below the bottom set of remaining leaves. By burying the bottom section of the tomato stem, it will begin to grow roots for a stronger root system. Tomatoes like to be buried deep!
5) Add a 1″ layer of compost (tomatoes are heavy feeders)
6) Secure your tomato plant with a tomato cage, so it doesn’t topple over. Be careful not to pierce the fabric.
7) Mulch with organic wood chips (NOT the treated stuff in bags for landscaping) or organic straw to retain moisture and the reduce the risk of disease
Grow Bags For Tomatoes, How and Why in 2020!
FAQ
What is the best size grow bag for growing tomatoes?
For growing tomatoes in grow bags, the recommended size depends on the tomato variety. Determinate tomatoes, like dwarf or bush varieties, can thrive in 7-gallon bags, while larger, indeterminate tomatoes benefit from 15-gallon or even 20-25 gallon bags.
Why put an egg in the hole when planting tomatoes?
Burying a whole egg in the planting hole when transplanting tomatoes is a gardening trick to provide a slow-release source of calcium, potentially preventing blossom end rot.
Are tomatoes better in pots or grow bags?
Is it best to grow tomatoes in pots or grow bags? Grow bags are far superior to pots when growing tomatoes. Pots are heavy, breakable, expensive, and often have poor drainage as well. Pots can also “bake” in the heat, frying your poor tomato plants. Lastly, grow bags utilize “air pruning” for a healthy root system.
What are the best tomatoes to grow in grow bags?
In this case, growing tomatoes in pots, grow bags or raised beds might be your best option. Unless you have very large pots or raised beds, the best tomatoes to grow in pots are determinate varieties and smaller types like cherry or small-medium slicers.