Grow Tomatoes in a Bag: A Simple Guide

Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Jabez Anthony

Growing tomatoes in a bag may be easier and more efficient than planting them in the ground. With the right supplies and simple instructions, you can cultivate delicious, homegrown tomatoes with minimal effort. With this guide, you can now start to grow tomatoes in a bag. Wouldn’t you like it?

Choose the right type of bag

Selecting the right type of bag is one of the most important elements of growing tomatoes in a bag. Look for bags made from a breathable material, such as burlap, allowing air and moisture to pass through easily. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate at least two to three gallons of soil and whatever size tomato plants you want to grow. Remember to double-check that the bag has drainage holes!

Select a tomato variety that grows well in bags

The type of tomato plant you select is essential when growing tomatoes in a bag. For maximum yields and care convenience, determinate varieties are your best bet, as they require minimal pruning and staking. Look for varieties explicitly suited to container gardening and label them as such on the packet or online product information. Avoid “bush” types, which may lack the necessary vigor when grown in bags.

Growing tomatoes in bags can be a great way to have fresh tomatoes in your backyard, even if you have limited space. Here are some tomato varieties that are well-suited to growing in grow bags:

• Cherry Tomatoes: ‘Sungold,’ ‘Sweet 100,’ and ‘Yellow Pear’ are popular cherry tomato varieties that are well-suited to growing in grow bags. These compact plants produce a good yield of sweet and juicy cherry-sized tomatoes.

• Dwarf Tomatoes: ‘Dwarf Sweetheart,’ ‘Patio,’ and ‘Tiny Tim’ are compact tomato varieties that are perfect for growing in small spaces and containers. These bushy plants produce a good yield of small to medium-sized tomatoes.

• Compact Tomatoes: ‘Bush Beefsteak,’ ‘San Marzano,’ and ‘Roma’ are compact tomato varieties that are well-suited to growing in grow bags. They produce a good yield of medium to large tomatoes and are known for their high quality and flavor.

Not all tomato varieties are equally well-suited to growing in containers, so be sure to choose a variety appropriate for your growing conditions and size. Choosing the right variety can help ensure a healthy and productive harvest.

Prepare the soil and not too much fertilizer

Before filling the bag with soil, adding some compost or fertilizer is important to enrich your soil mix. Too much can do more harm than good for your tomato plants by creating an overly acidic soil structure. Avoid using too much fertilizer until the plant begins to flower and fruit, as it may be detrimental to the development of the tomato.

Water regularly and keep the soil moist

 Watering is a crucial aspect of growing tomatoes in a bag. Make sure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate, you may need to water your tomatoes every few days, especially during hot and dry weather. One way to determine if plants need water is to put your finger into the soil and feel how moist it is. If it’s dry, then it’s time to water. Avoid watering from above, as this can damage the leaves and cause mold growth. Instead, try watering from below by placing the bag in a shallow dish and letting the water soak through the drainage holes.

Make sure you have proper drainage and airflow for Your bags of tomatoes

The most essential part of growing tomatoes in a bag is ensuring that the bags have proper drainage and airflow. Ensure enough holes along the bottom of the bag for water to properly drain away from the plant’s roots, so they don’t get waterlogged. Also, make sure there are vents nearby that can help provide ventilation for your tomato plants. This will allow carbon dioxide to escape and oxygen to flow into your bag, which helps keep your plants healthy and productive. 

Provide proper light and temperature conditions. 

Tomatoes need plenty of sunlight to grow, so make sure the bags are placed in an area that acquires at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Take note If you live in a hot climate, it’s important to provide shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunscald on the fruits. In terms of temperature, tomatoes grow best when the temperature is between 60°F and 85°F.

What size of grow bag should I use?

The size of the grow bag you use for your tomato plants will depend on the variety of tomatoes you’re growing and how many plants you want to fit in each bag. Here are some general guidelines:

• For determinate tomato varieties (small to medium-sized plants that produce all their fruit at once), you can use grow bags 12-15 inches wide and 20-24 inches long.
• For indeterminate tomato varieties (larger plants that produce fruit continuously throughout the season), consider using larger grow bags at least 18-20 inches wide and 24-30 inches long.
• If you want to grow multiple plants in one grow bag, you can increase the width of the bag accordingly. However, keep in mind that the soil in the bag needs to be at least 8-12 inches deep to provide enough root space for the plants to grow.

Ultimately, the size of the grow bag you use will depend on the size of your plants, the amount of sunlight they receive, and the amount of water they need.

How do you support tomatoes in grow bags?

Tomatoes are tall plants and need support as they grow to prevent them from falling over or breaking under the weight of the fruit. Here are some ways to support tomatoes in grow bags:

1. Stakes: You can drive a sturdy wooden stake into the grow bag near each plant and tie the stem to the stake as it grows. This will keep the plant upright and prevent it from falling over.
2. Cages: Tomato cages are popular for growing tomatoes in grow bags. You can purchase pre-made tomato cages or make your own from wire mesh. Place the cage over the plant when it is still young and secure it to the sides of the grow bag. As the plant grows, it will naturally climb the cage, and the fruit will be supported by the wire mesh.
3. Trellises: Trellising tomatoes in grow bags is similar to using tomato cages, but instead of a circular cage, you will use a tall, narrow trellis. As the plant grows, you can train it to climb the trellis and tie it to the support as needed.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to provide enough support to keep the plant upright and prevent it from breaking under the weight of the fruit. Proper support can help ensure that your tomatoes grow healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.

Monitor and change the contents when ready for harvesting.

 As your tomatoes mature, keep an eye on their development. When the fruits have ripened, you’ll need to change the bag’s contents to ensure optimal growing conditions for your crop. Empty approximately half of the soil and replace it with fresh compost or fertilizer. This should be done every two to four weeks throughout your tomato harvesting.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Tomatoes. 

• Your tomatoes should be picked when they are ripe, juicy, and tasty.
•  Harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage new fruits’ growth and keep the plants productive. 
• The exact timing of your harvest will depend on the variety you have selected. 

Still, most tomatoes are ready for harvest after about eight to twelve weeks from planting. Once harvested, enjoy your delicious, homegrown tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, or simply on their own!

With the right materials and a bit of care, growing tomatoes in a bag can be a fun and rewarding experience. Try it today and taste the difference between fresh, homegrown tomatoes in your kitchen!

Prune and stake your tomato plants as needed.

 As your tomato plants grow, you may need to prune and stake them to help them grow vertically and to prevent them from becoming too heavy. Pruning the plant encourages the growth of new shoots, which will help increase the plant’s yields. Staking is also important to support the plant as it grows and bears fruit.

Is growing tomatoes in pots or grow bags preferable?

When growing tomatoes, grow bags outperform pots by a wide margin. Pots are bulky, pricey, breakable, and frequently require greater drainage. In the heat, pots can also “bake,” frying your poor tomato plants.

“Air pruning” is used in grow bags to promote a strong root system. The roots stop developing and begin to branch out when they get to the dry soil on the outside of the bag. Establishing a vast network of strong roots. In containers, the roots spread out and finally encircle the outside of the container, strangling the tomato plant.

How deep does a grow bag need to be for tomatoes?

Grow bags should be a minimum of 12″ deep for growing tomatoes. The deeper, the better!

Are grow bags toxic?

It depends on the material of your grow bag, but only some of them are. The recommendations I’ve provided above are all made of a non-woven, felt-like BPA-free material. This material is considered safe for storing food, so it should also be safe for growing food!

DIY tomato grow bag

Here’s a simple step to step guide on how to make your own tomato grow bags:

Materials needed:

• Canvas or burlap material

• Scissors

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Sewing machine or needle and thread

• Potting soil

• Tomato seedlings

Step 1: Cut the Material Cut the canvas or burlap material into a rectangle that measures approximately 12-15 inches wide and 20-24 inches long. This size is suitable for growing one tomato plant.

Step 2: Sew the Sides Fold the fabric in half, inside out, and stitch the two side edges either with a sewing machine or by hand with a needle and thread.

Step 3: Create the Bottom. Turn the material right side out and fold the bottom edge by about 2 inches. Sew along the bottom edge to create a sturdy base for the grow bag.

Step 4: Add Drainage Holes. Use a pencil or pen to mark 2-3 inch circles along the bottom of the bag. Cut out the circles with scissors to create drainage holes.

Step 5: Fill with Soil. Fill the grow bag with potting soil, leaving about 2-3 inches of space at the top.

Step 6: Plant the Tomato Seedlings. Make a small hole in the soil and carefully place the tomato seedling in the bag. Gently pat down the soil around the seedling and water it.

Step 7: Place in a Sunny Spot and water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

And there you have it! Your own DIY tomato growth bag. With proper care, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh, juicy tomatoes right from your own garden.

Pros and cons of growing tomatoes in a bag

Growing tomatoes in bags have pros and cons, so it’s important to understand both before deciding if this is the right growing method for you.

Pros:

1. Convenience: Growing tomatoes in bags is a convenient and low-maintenance way to have fresh tomatoes in your backyard. Bags are easy to move around, so you can place them in the sunniest spot in your yard or bring them inside when temperatures drop.
2. Space-saving: Grow bags are an excellent option for those who don’t have a lot of space in their yard. They can be placed on balconies, patios, or even on a sunny windowsill.
3. Soil Control: Growing tomatoes in bags allows you to control the quality of the soil, which is important for a healthy and productive harvest. You can choose the right soil for your plants, add compost, and even use a slow-release fertilizer to provide the nutrients your plants need.

Cons:

1. Cost: Although grow bags are relatively inexpensive, they require some initial investment. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase potting soil, compost, and possibly fertilizer, which can add to the cost.
2. Limited Yield: While grow bags are a convenient way to grow tomatoes, they have a limited yield. Because they’re smaller than traditional gardens, they may produce less than a full garden.
3. Drainage: Drainage can be an issue when growing tomatoes in bags, especially if the bags are not porous. Overwatering can cause the roots to become waterlogged, leading to root rot and plant death. To avoid this, use a high-quality bag and ensure the bottom of the bag has drainage holes.

In conclusion, growing tomatoes in bags can be a convenient and low-maintenance way to have fresh tomatoes in your backyard. Still, it’s important to understand the pros and cons before deciding if this is the right growing method for you.

Source:

https://thehomesteadingrd.com/growing-tomatoes-in-grow-bags/