You can grow cherry tomatoes in containers just as successfully as in a traditional garden bed. As long as you follow a few simple planting and care tips, you’ll be snacking on a massive harvest all summer long. Here is everything you need to know to get it right!
Timing is Everything
Cherry tomatoes are big fans of warm weather and won’t really take off until temperatures stay between 55°F and 60°F. They’re even happier when daytime temps hit that sweet spot of 68°F to 75°F. Because of this, you’ll want to wait until after the last frost—usually around mid-May—before moving your plants outside.
Find a Sunny Spot
These little tomatoes are true sun-worshippers! To get the best flavor and ripening, they need a spot with full sun. While they can handle a bit of partial shade while they’re still young seedlings, they need maximum rays once they start growing.
For a bumper crop, make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight and a bit of a breeze. However, try to keep the rain off the leaves to prevent disease—a greenhouse or a simple “tomato roof” works wonders for protection.
The Secret to Great Soil
Beyond just a sunny location, the quality of your soil is key. Tomatoes are “heavy feeders,” meaning they need lots of nutrients. High-quality potting mix or garden soil enriched with compost is ideal. To keep them thriving, make sure to fertilize regularly and keep these tips in mind:
- If planting in a garden bed, space your plants about 24 to 32 inches apart.
- For balcony boxes or large pots, add a drainage layer (like broken terracotta shards or gravel) at the bottom.
- Plant your seedlings deep—the first set of leaves should be close to the soil line.
- Set up a trellis or stake immediately and tie the plant to it as it grows.
- Water generously at the base, but try to keep the leaves dry.
- Use mulch to help keep the roots from drying out.
- To encourage more fruit, pinch off the “suckers” (side shoots) weekly.
When to Harvest
The payoff begins in late July or early August. The best part? These plants keep producing! If the weather stays nice, you might even be picking tomatoes into October. If you want to give pollination a little boost, you can gently touch the open flowers with a small paintbrush to help things along.
