[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Make the most of limited garden space by growing tomatoes in buckets and grow bags. Planting tomatoes in these easily accessible containers provides an inexpensive alternative to traditional backyard gardening. Container gardening tends to level the playing field in the game of home gardening, allowing even gardeners with less garden area the opportunity to produce high yielding plants. Buckets and grow bags provide convenient mobility, can be kept on a deck or patio for easy care, picking, and monitoring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner]
Growing tomatoes in grow bags is quickly becoming a very popular way to cultivate vibrant tomato plants in small spaces while lowering the risk of disease As someone who has never been successful at raising tomatoes due to heavy blight in my area, utilizing grow bags has made it possible for me to finally grow tomatoes!
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss which grow bags to use, how to grow tomatoes in grow bags, which tomato varieties work best, plus tips for getting an excellent tomato harvest. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Grow Bags?
The use of grow bags has really increased over the past few years for good reason. Here are the main benefits of using grow bags:
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Great for small spaces – Grow bags allow tomato cultivation possible in tight areas like a deck, patio, porch, driveway, balcony, or anywhere that gets sufficient sunlight
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Reduces disease – Elevating the tomato plant, growing it in sterilized potting mix, and situating it away from other plants (on a deck, patio, etc.) greatly lowers the risk of soil-borne diseases.
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Enhances drainage and airflow for healthy roots – Grow bags utilize “air pruning” for an optimal root system (more details below).
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Portable – Grow bags can be relocated as needed throughout the growing season. You can even bring them indoors in fall to lengthen harvest time.
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Economical – Purchasing a few grow bags is much more affordable than building a raised bed or buying planter pots.
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Neat and tidy – Grow bags are a clean, organized way to grow tomatoes anywhere with adequate sunlight.
Types of Grow Bags
There are a few different types of grow bags available, plus some DIY options. Let’s break them down:
Fabric Grow Bags
This is the best choice in my opinion. Fabric is breathable, resulting in healthy plants with robust root systems. The fabric is also durable and many models come with handles, allowing you to easily move your grow bags indoors when storms approach or during winter.
Some good fabric grow bag options:
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VIVOSUN 5-Pack 20 Gallon Plant Grow Bags – Thickened nonwoven, BPA-free fabric with reinforced handles.
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Gardzen 6-Pack 20 Gallon Grow Bags – Made from sturdy, reinforced fabric with excellent permeability.
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CASOLLY Square Grow Bags – Deepest grow bag I’ve found. BPA-free polypropylene with sturdy handles.
Plastic Grow Bags
There are some plastic grow bags available, but this is my least recommended option. Plastic doesn’t breathe as well and can become brittle in sunlight. Many also appear prone to toppling from their skinny, tall shape. Most don’t seem to last beyond a season or two based on reviews. I’d suggest skipping plastic.
5 Gallon Buckets
You may see others using buckets, but I don’t advise it. 5 gallons doesn’t allow adequate space for large plants like tomatoes to develop their expansive root systems. Growth may become stunted. Make sure to drill drainage holes if attempting this method.
DIY Grow Bag Options
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Lined basket – Works in a pinch if the basket is fairly large, but may drain too quickly.
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Feed/birdseed bags – Neat idea, but the tall narrow shape seems prone to toppling over once filled.
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Directly in compost bag – Worried this doesn’t provide enough depth for tomato roots.
Steps for Growing Tomatoes in Grow Bags
Supplies Needed
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Grow bag(s) – 15-25 gallon size recommended
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Potting mix – Avoid plain garden soil
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Tomato plants – Grow from seed or buy seedlings
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Tomato cages – Get large, sturdy ones
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Organic fertilizer
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Organic compost
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Mulch (optional) – Wood chips or straw
Instructions
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Place empty grow bag(s) in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun daily. Avoid hot asphalt.
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Fill bag halfway with organic potting mix.
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Remove lowest leaves from tomato plant using clean shears.
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Place tomato in grow bag, filling the rest of the way to 2” below remaining leaves. Burying the lower stem helps it root.
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Add 1” layer of compost. Tomatoes need lots of nutrients.
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Secure plant with a sturdy tomato cage.
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Mulch top with wood chips or straw to retain moisture and prevent disease.
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Water thoroughly until excess drains out.
Key Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Grow Bags
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Choose determinate varieties – These grow bushy rather than sprawling vines, making them ideal for grow bags. Good options include Celebrity, Iron Lady, and Mountain Merit.
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Give them sun – Tomatoes require at least 8 hours of direct sun daily for robust growth and prolific fruiting.
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Fertilize often – Tomatoes are heavy feeders, especially once fruit develops. Use organic fish fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
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Water 1-2 times daily – Potting mix drains well, so frequent watering is key. Add mulch to help retain moisture.
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Prevent disease – Prune any branches touching soil, avoid wetting leaves, and use mulch to block soil from splashing up.
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Prune suckers weekly – Removing unwanted new stem growth ensures the plant focuses energy on fruiting stems.
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Use a grow ring (optional) – Insert a ring filled with extra potting mix in the grow bag for more root space.
Expected Tomato Yields Per Grow Bag
With proper sunlight and care you can expect:
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1-2 pounds per plant in a 10-15 gallon grow bag
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2-3 pounds per plant in a 20-25+ gallon grow bag
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Up to 15-20 tomatoes per healthy plant
Actual harvests depend on variety, bag size, and growing conditions.
FAQs About Growing Tomatoes in Grow Bags
What size grow bag should I use?
Choose a 15-25+ gallon grow bag. Tomatoes have expansive root systems and need ample space. Anything smaller often stunts growth.
What type of soil is best?
Use an organic potting mix, not regular garden soil. Potting mixes drain better and prevent soggy roots. Add compost for nutrients.
How do you support the plants?
Sturdy tomato cages work perfectly. Just ensure you get large ones with thick gauge wire. Avoid small, flimsy cages.
Do tomatoes grow well in grow bags?
Yes! When given proper sunlight, space, soil, and water tomatoes thrive in grow bags. They may even do better than in the ground if you battle diseases like blight.
When should you transplant tomatoes into grow bags?
Transplant tomatoes once overnight temperatures stay above 45°F and soil temperature reaches 55-60°F. This is usually late spring.
Are grow bags better than pots for tomatoes?
Absolutely. Grow bags provide better drainage, air pruning of roots, and won’t overheat like plastic pots. They are also cheaper and reusable.
Conclusion
Growing luscious tomatoes in grow bags is an easy, inexpensive way to cultivate tomatoes in small spaces. Follow these tips for the healthiest tomato plants and most abundant harvests! With the right growing conditions, tomatoes absolutely thrive in breathable grow bags. Get ready to enjoy homegrown tomatoes this season!
Best Way to Plant Tomatoes in Grow Bags
Growing tomatoes in fabric grow bags is an excellent option when it comes to container gardening. It acts like a bucket in many of the essential ways but has additional attributes. As we now know, tomatoes have strong root systems that grow vigorously. The texture of the fabric grow bag allows the roots to prune themselves when they hit the edge of the bag. The benefit of this self-pruning is that instead of encircling the shape of the container over and over again, the roots offshoot into new fibrous hairs continually. This process makes the root system in tomatoes planted in fabric grow bags healthier and more robust.
Supplies:
- Fabric Grow Bag
- Organic Potting Mix
- Organic Fertilizer
- 1 Tbsp Epsom Salt
- Water
- Determinate Tomato Seeds or Plants
- Mulch (optional)
Steps for Successful Planting
- Find an area in the yard or on the patio that receives plenty of sunlight for tomatoes to grow successfully.
- Make certain that there are drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket before planting. This is essential so that your plant does not drown.
- Fill the container half-full of potting mix.
- Place the plant into the bucket. You can plant tomato plants a little deeper in the soil that other plants because the stems will sprout roots creating a more robust plant. If sowing seeds directly, do so when the pot is ¾ of the way full, sow seeds, and lightly cover with one inch of soil.
- Add water when the bag is approximately half-way full.
- Add more potting mix around the tomato plant.
- Sprinkle organic fertilizer and Epsom salt around the base of the plant. This will supply the tomato plant with essential nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium for healthy growth and protection from a disease like blossom-rot.
- Continue to build up the soil until the bucket is full.
- If desired, you can add some light mulching to finish off the pot and protect the soil.
Water Requirements