Grow your tomatoes in containers

You'd like to grow tomatoes but the only space you have is your balcony or patio? Don't worry! You can grow them in containers!

Make sure to place your tomato plant in a large container (a geotextile pot is perfect), and use a potting soil with good drainage capacity and great aeration for your plant’s roots. Add 3 to 4 handfuls of a natural slow release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and potassium. Your plant's collar must be a few centimeters below the existing soil's surface.

Taking care to cut the first leaves, plant it so its main stem is 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep. This will make for better rooting and will promote the development of a vast root system that will draw more nutrients and water from the soil. If you opted for an indeterminate tomato plant (with no specific maximum height), do not forget to stake it.

At the base of your tomato plant, you can plant herbs such as basil, chives or parsley. You can also choose to plant edible flowers that will attract pollinating insects, which will make for a greater production. Towards the end of May or beginning of June, depending on the region, place your tomato plant in a warm and sunny spot on your balcony or patio.

Water 2 or 3 times a week and you'll get beautiful, tasty tomatoes!

By Albert Mondor, horticulturist