You don't need a large farm or even a backyard to grow your tomatoes. Tomatoes can be grown in containers, but you need to grow the right number of plants in a pot to prevent overcrowding.
So, how many tomatoes will fit in a 5 gallon bucket? The number of tomatoes you can grow in a pot will depend on the variety of the tomato.
However, to be on the safer side, you should grow one tomato plant in a 5-gallon bucket to avoid the plants overcrowding and dying.
This post will cover all you need to know about growing tomatoes in a 5-gallon bucket and the best guideline to adopt to ensure a healthy tomato plant.
Table of Contents
How Many Tomatoes Fit In A 5 Gallon Bucket?
The convenience associated with container planting has made it quite popular among gardeners. Tomato plants perform well in containers because you get to move the plant around to get adequate sunlight.
Tomato plants thrive in warm soil, making black buckets ideal for growing them because the black soaks up heat.
Irrespective of whether or not you are growing a determinate or indeterminate cultivar, it's best to plant one tomato per 5-gallon bucket for the best results.
The Best Size of Pot for a Tomato Plant
Small cultivars may grow comfortably in 1- to 2-gallon pots, but it's best to use a 5-gallon bucket for optimal results. More so, 5-gallon buckets are readily available and are easy to modify into a planter or self-watering pot.
Using a hammer and a nail or a drill, make holes in the bottom of the bucket for drainage and add a tomato cage to support the vines. If you need a self-watering system, use two buckets.
How To Care For Tomatoes In a 5-gallon Bucket
5-gallon buckets are ideal for your tomato plants. Although growing tomatoes can be challenging, especially when growing in containers.
But with the right care, your tomato plants will flourish in a 5-gallon bucket. Below are some tips you should employ for a healthy tomato plant:
1. The 5-gallon Bucket is Best Suited For Tomato Plants
It's best to use a bigger container for your tomato plants, even for a small cultivator. The 5-gallon bucket is ideal for almost all tomato plants. Ensure that only one tomato plant is growing in a container that is at least 1 square foot.
Refrain from using growing other herbs and vegetables in the same container with your tomato plant, no matter how massive the container is. You do not want other plants competing with the tomato plant for water or nutrients.
2. Plant Tomatoes Deeply
When planting a tomato seedling, remove the bottom few sets of leaves, and dig a hole deep enough so that most of the plant is buried in the planting hole.
Add any additional soil needed to keep the plant sitting securely upright, and use your hands to press the soil and keep it firm gently.
3. Water Your Tomato Plant Frequently
Water the tomato plant whenever the top inch of soil has dried out. To determine the moisture level, stick your finger into the dirt an inch deep.
If the soil clings to your skin, it is still wet, and you don't yet need to water your plants. During dry spells, you may need to water daily.
4. Fertilize Your Tomato Plant
Your tomato plants need primary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some potting soil comes with these nutrients, but it's best to check the potting soil bag to determine its content.
Apply fertilizer every 10 to 14 days if the potting soil does not have the essential nutrients.
5. Your Tomato Plant Needs Enough Sunlight
Tomatoes ideally need direct sunlight for six to eight hours per day to flourish. Place the tomato containers in a spot with adequate natural light. Also, bear in mind that while tomatoes thrive in full sun, too much sun can kill young plants.
Further Readings:
- Why Do My Tomato Plants Not Produce Fruit?
- Can You Grow Okra In a 5 Gallon Bucket?
- What Can I Grow In a 1 Gallon Container?
- How To Grow Cucumber Plants Per 5-Gallon Bucket
- Is It Safe to Grow Vegetables In 5 Gallon Buckets?
- Can You Grow Zucchini In A 5 Gallon Bucket?
Conclusion
Who says you need a traditional garden to enjoy some home-grown tomatoes? With your 5-gallon buckets, you can grow tomatoes in the comfort of your home. More so, you can place the container on your balcony, porch, patio, driveway, or deck.
This post has successfully answered the question, how many tomatoes fit in a 5-gallon bucket? Now you know that it's best to grow a single tomato plant in a 5-gallon bucket for optimal results.
