What tomatoes want
Tomatoes are not complicated, but they are unforgiving when watering, feeding and light are inconsistent. They want warmth, sun, airflow, steady moisture and support when the plant gets heavy.
First things to get right
- Choose bush tomatoes for pots and cordon tomatoes for taller supported plants.
- Use fresh compost and a container with proper drainage.
- Put plants in the sunniest sheltered position you have.
- Water consistently rather than flooding and drying them out.
- Feed once fruit starts to set.
- Remove side shoots from cordon plants, but leave bush plants alone.
Small-space growing
You do not need a big garden. A sunny patio, balcony or small greenhouse can produce good tomatoes when the pot is large enough and watering is steady.