What Size Container for Tomatoes?

Bigger pots mean bigger root systems. Bigger root systems mean bigger plants. Bigger plants mean more tomatoes. Use at least 15 gallons minimum, but 20-25 gallons is ideal.

The Simple Math

15 gallons: Bare minimum
20 gallons: Better
25 gallons: Ideal

One tomato plant per container.

Smaller containers mean more frequent watering, smaller root systems, smaller plants, and fewer tomatoes. Want to grow dwarf or bonsai tomatoes? Easy—just use small containers for a little root system.

Why Container Growing Works

I think growing tomatoes in containers is the easiest way. The most important factors are container size and soil quality.

Use Quality Potting Soil

This great potting soil holds lots of water. One pound of sphagnum peat moss or peat moss holds 20-25 pounds of water. With quality soil, you can't overwater. You won't water as often because the soil holds water longer—it doesn't just run through and out the bottom. You'll actually save water.

See our complete potting soil guide →

End of Season Maintenance

Gently pull the old tomato plant at season's end. Discard it along with soil sticking to the roots. Refill with new potting soil plus about one-third of a 1 cubic foot bag of composted steer manure (a very small bag, less than $2). Plant one new tomato.

Watering Containers

Always water until water comes out the bottom of your container.

Typical mature tomato plants use 2-3 gallons daily. Self-watering containers have a reservoir at the bottom holding about 4 gallons. Keep the reservoir full and your plant never runs out. Your plant always gets the right amount—not too little, not too much. This conserves water.

Water moves up through soil like a wick in a lamp, and roots grow down into the moist environment.

Self-watering containers make watering easier, but you don't need them to be successful. Everyone will grow great tomatoes with standard containers and proper care.

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Next Steps

Choose the right potting soil →
Master watering techniques →
Learn the fundamentals →

Dave Freed / The Tomato Guy