Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, and there are countless easy ways to do it. These plants adapt well to pots, bags, or garden beds, so you don’t need much space to enjoy a steady harvest.
By choosing the right setup, you can boost productivity and keep your plants healthy throughout the season. Small changes like better drainage, adding mulch, or giving plants sturdy support will help them thrive.
Once you try homegrown tomatoes, you’ll never want to go back to supermarket ones. Here are 20 simple ideas that make growing tomatoes fun and practical.
#1 In Pots
Tomatoes thrive in large pots where roots have enough room to spread. Use containers at least 18 inches wide with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil. Fill with quality potting mix and place in a sunny location.
Water regularly but let the topsoil dry slightly between sessions. Add a stake or cage early to support the plant. With proper care, even a balcony can yield a heavy crop.
#2 In A Raised Bed
Raised beds warm up quickly in spring and provide excellent drainage. Tomatoes grow well in the deep, fertile soil these beds offer. Mix compost before planting for added nutrients.
Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to reduce disease risk. Water deeply at the base rather than overhead to keep leaves dry. Mulch helps lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
#3 In Galvanized Box
Galvanized boxes create a rustic yet functional planter for tomatoes. Ensure drainage holes are added before filling with soil. Position the box in a sunny spot where plants get at least 6 hours of light.
Use a lightweight soil mix to prevent compaction. Stake plants to prevent them from drooping as they grow tall. Regular feeding keeps them productive throughout the season.
#4 In Bags
Growing tomatoes in bags is budget-friendly and space-saving. Use heavy-duty grow bags with good drainage. Place two or three plants per bag depending on size.
Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging by lifting the bags slightly off the ground. Fertilize every couple of weeks for steady growth. This method works well on patios or small yards.
#5 In A Garbage Bag
Recycled garbage bags make a quick DIY tomato planter. Punch several holes at the bottom for drainage. Fill with quality potting soil and place in a sunny location.
Tie the sides upright so roots remain covered. Water slowly to prevent runoff. It’s a creative solution when you want extra growing space without new containers.
#6 In Straw
Straw bales can serve as natural planters for tomatoes. Cut planting holes in the top, fill with compost, and insert seedlings. Keep the bale moist so roots penetrate easily.
Fertilize regularly since straw doesn’t hold many nutrients. Position in full sun for the best results. Over time, the straw breaks down and enriches the soil beneath.
#7 Wooden Barrel
Old barrels are perfect for growing large tomato varieties. Drill drainage holes at the bottom before adding soil. Place the barrel where it can receive maximum sunlight.
Water evenly, as wooden sides can dry out quickly. Add a sturdy stake for tall plants. The rustic look also adds charm to your garden corner.
#8 In Styrofoam Box
Styrofoam boxes keep roots insulated against heat and cold. Make several drainage holes before filling with soil. Plant one or two tomato seedlings per box.
Place near a sunny window or outdoor space with good light. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Lightweight and portable, they’re great for small patios or balconies.
#9 In Sacks
Sacks made of jute or fabric allow soil to breathe and drain well. Fill with potting soil and roll the sides down until plants grow taller. As they grow, unroll the sack and add more soil around the stems.
This method encourages stronger root development. Keep sacks in sunny spots and water frequently. It’s an affordable way to grow multiple plants.
#10 Tomatoes with Potatoes
Grafting tomatoes onto potato plants lets you harvest both crops from one rootstock. Plant the grafted seedling in a large container or raised bed.
Give the plant at least 6–8 hours of sun. Water deeply to encourage strong roots. Feed with balanced fertilizer to support both fruit and tuber growth. It’s a fun experiment for curious gardeners.
#11 Plastic Container
Large plastic containers are lightweight and durable for growing tomatoes. Choose containers at least 5 gallons in size. Drill drainage holes if not already present. Position them where sunlight is abundant.
Use tomato cages to keep stems upright. Consistent watering prevents cracked fruits. This method works well in rented spaces since containers can be moved easily.
#12 Growing Tomato Vertically In Cage
Tomato cages keep plants neat and upright, making harvesting easier. Place the cage around the seedling right after planting. Tie stems gently as they grow to prevent damage.
Use mulch inside the cage to retain soil moisture. Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases. Vertical growth also saves space in small gardens.
#13 Kiddie Pool Tomato Planter
Turn an old kiddie pool into a large tomato bed. Drill holes in the base for drainage. Fill with rich soil and plant several tomato seedlings spaced apart.
Place in a sunny area of the yard. Add cages or trellises for support as plants grow. It’s a creative reuse idea that yields plenty of fruit.
#14 In Buckets
Buckets are one of the easiest DIY planters for tomatoes. Drill a few holes in the bottom for proper drainage. Fill with potting mix and add one tomato plant per bucket.
Position them in full sun and water regularly. Buckets are portable, so you can move them to chase the sunlight. They’re ideal for small gardens or patios.
#15 Wooden Tomato Tower
A wooden tower supports climbing tomato varieties beautifully. Build a frame with wooden slats or buy a ready-made one. Plant seedlings at the base and guide stems upward as they grow.
Secure stems with soft ties to prevent breakage. Water deeply so roots establish well. The tower adds height and visual appeal to the garden.
#16 In Window Box
Compact tomato varieties grow well in large window boxes. Fill with lightweight soil mix and place where sunlight lasts most of the day.
Add slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Water often since boxes dry out quickly. Support plants with small stakes or trellises. It’s a charming way to enjoy fresh tomatoes right outside your window.
#17 In Hanging Basket
Hanging baskets are perfect for trailing tomato varieties. Fill the basket with soil and plant one seedling in the center. Hang it where sunlight is abundant.
Water daily since baskets dry out quickly. Fertilize every two weeks for continuous fruiting. Cascading tomatoes create a stunning display and save ground space.
#18 In Milk Jug
Cut open the top of an old milk jug and punch holes in the base. Fill with soil and add a tomato seedling. Place in a sunny location such as a balcony or porch.
Water carefully since the small size can dry out fast. This is an easy way to recycle and grow at the same time.
#19 In Grocery Bag
Reusable grocery bags make handy containers for tomatoes. Fill with soil and roll down the sides to create a sturdy shape. Place in a sunny area and water frequently.
Bags allow extra drainage, so roots stay healthy. As the plant grows, unroll the sides and add more soil. This method is practical and eco-friendly.
#20 In Tires
Old tires stacked together can form unique tomato planters. Clean them thoroughly before filling with soil. Position in a sunny spot and plant one or two seedlings inside.
The black rubber retains warmth, helping tomatoes grow faster. Water consistently to prevent drying. It’s a creative way to recycle while producing a heavy crop.
