A container tomato plant can thrive on a sunny patio if it has enough room, steady moisture, and support. A compact or bush variety is a good first choice.
Pick the pot and location
Choose a container of at least five gallons with drainage holes. Fill it with fresh potting mix, not heavy garden soil. Put the plant where it can receive six to eight hours of direct sun. Wait until frost danger has passed before moving a young tomato outside.
Plant and support
Set one plant in the pot and install a sturdy cage or stake early, before roots spread. Water the mix thoroughly. Add a thin layer of mulch to slow drying, keeping it clear of the stem.
Keep growth steady
Check the soil daily in hot weather. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry; avoid letting the pot swing between soggy and bone dry. Follow the fertilizer label for container vegetables because frequent watering can wash nutrients away.
Harvest
Pick tomatoes when they reach the color and size typical of the variety. Remove diseased leaves promptly and keep foliage off the ground.
For regional guidance, see University of Minnesota Extension and its container tomato tips.
