Should You Grow Tomatoes in Pots or in the Ground? We Asked Gardeners and They All Agreed

• Tomatoes come in two varieties: determinate (bushy) and nondeterminate (vining).
• Determinate tomatoes do better in containers while nondeterminate tomatoes grow better in the ground.
• Containers are better for deterring pests, while plants in the ground will need less frequent watering.

Tomatoes are a staple in nearly every vegetable garden: they’re easy to grow, provide bountiful yields, can be grown in pots and the ground, and there are endless varieties to choose from. And one of the best parts about growing tomatoes is how versatile they are.

From sprawling vegetable gardens to tiny patio gardens, tomatoes can withstand various growing conditions. However, is one method of growing inherently better than the other? Is growing tomatoes in the ground better than growing them in containers? We turned to the gardening pros for a definitive answer.

Tomato Growing Basics

While beginner-friendly and easy to grow, tomatoes require consistent maintenance and care for the most successful and fruitful yield. A basic understanding of how tomatoes grow and the different varieties available is the first step in any gardener’s toolbox. 

“Most people don’t realize that tomatoes come in two varieties—determinate (bushy) and indeterminate (vining)—and knowing the difference is key to planting success,” says Sarah Rubens, garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary.

Determinate tomato varieties, such as ‘Celebrity,’ ‘San Marzano Nano,’ ‘Amish Paste,’ and ‘Marglobe’ (among others), have a short harvest season with fruit ripening all at once.

In contrast, indeterminate varieties, such as ‘Beefsteak,’ ‘Big Boy,’ ‘Sungold,’ and ‘Sweet Million,’ (among others) provide a steady supply of ripe fruit throughout most of the growing season until the first frost kills off the plants.

In general, determinate varieties are considered lower-yield and lower-maintenance, while indeterminate varieties provide higher yields but require more maintenance. 

Regardless of the variety, all tomato plants require plenty of water, regular fertilization, and pruning (although indeterminate tomatoes need more pruning than determinate).  

Which Is Better: Containers or the Garden?

The garden may seem like the most obvious answer; more space means healthier plants, right? As it turns out, the answer isn’t necessarily that simple. Several factors influence the best way to grow your tomatoes, including the variety you’re growing and your gardening habits. 

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As a general rule, determinate tomatoes are best suited to container growing because they are smaller and more manageable. In contrast, indeterminate tomatoes are better suited for planting directly in the ground since they require robust staking and support as they grow. This includes many heirloom and cherry varieties.

Your gardening habits and the space you have available also play a role. For example, container gardens and pots can be easier to maintain regularly, while in-ground tomatoes may get more easily forgotten at the back of your yard. 

Both Rubens and Tammy Sons, CEO and founder of TN Nursery, agree that, in general, they prefer container growing for tomatoes over planting directly in the ground. 

“My experience growing tomatoes shows that both ground planting and container gardening have their own unique benefits,” Sons says. “The convenience of containers appeals to me because they can be moved when the weather changes and serve as a defense against pests. There’s no better feeling than standing on the porch and taking a sun-warmed tomato from a door-side pot.”

For more prolific indeterminate varieties, Rubens says that raised beds are her go-to. A raised bed offers sturdier support for stakes and arches that may be required for these vining varieties.

Furthermore, planting in raised beds versus directly in the ground provides better soil control and monitoring. This includes monitoring moisture and drainage levels, preventing soilborne diseases, and regular fertilization. 

“A 17-inch-deep raised bed accommodates a strong structure, such as a securely anchored arch, allowing vines to spread and maximize yield,” Rubens says.

Benefits of Growing Tomatoes in Containers

While determinate varieties are better-suited to container growing, indeterminate varieties can be grown in containers too. Sons and Rubens include raised garden beds in this category.

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Container growing tomatoes offers several benefits which may be enticing to gardeners. These include:

• Better soil control (including drainage, prevention of soilborne diseases, etc.).
• Containers can be easily moved (to follow the sun or protect plants from adverse weather).
• Plants are more easily accessible on the patio or deck.
• Plants can be protected from pests.
• Pots and containers are more space-efficient.

Benefits of Growing Tomatoes in the Ground

Growing tomatoes directly in the ground is also a viable option, regardless of the variety. The following benefits may entice gardeners interested in planting their tomatoes in the ground:

• Plants require less frequent watering.
• Supports such as stakes and arches can be firmly anchored.
• It may be easier to set up drip irrigation systems for watering.
• There’s endless space for roots to spread, which is particularly beneficial for large heirloom varieties.
• Plants will likely produce larger yields since they have more space to grow.

 

NOTE – This article was originally published in thespruce and can be viewed here

 

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