7 November 2024
Want to grow chillies in hanging baskets? Here are the best chillies for hanging baskets.
Read on for top varieties and care tips for a chilli filled garden....
Posted in Blog Home
Best Bush Tomatoes To Grow In Containers In The UK
9 March 2023
If you're looking to grow bush tomatoes in containers in the UK, then you've come to the right place! Here we'll talk about some of the best tomato varieties for containers, so that you can get growing quickly and easily.
Bush tomatoes are compact plants with prolific yields, making them ideal for small spaces or balconies where space may be limited. You don't have to worry about pruning like you would with regular cordon tomatoes either, plus, there are lots of different sizes, shapes and colours available - from mini cherry tomatoes to larger slicing types - so whatever type of tomato flavour you prefer, there's a variety out there for you!
The Perfect Pick: Choosing The Best Bush Tomatoes For Container Gardening
Gardening in containers is a great way to grow vegetables, especially for those with limited space. When it comes to bush tomatoes, there is a good selection of varieties suitable for container growing in the UK. However, some types have proven more successful than others when grown in pots and other restricted spaces.
When choosing which variety to grow a factor to take into account is disease resistance; different varieties offer varying levels of protection against common pests and diseases associated with tomatoes. Because you'll be growing outside, its a good idea look out for resistant cultivars, particularly those with tomato blight resistance such as 'Celano', 'Orangeto', and 'Lizzano.' These robust varieties are bred for UK conditions and will give you a good crop even if conditions aren't perfect - ensuring plentiful harvests throughout the season.
Our Recommended Varieties
£1.99
A sweet baby plum, blight resistant bush variety for pots and tubs.....
Growth Habit - Large Bush
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
A sweet cherry, blight resistant bush variety for pots and tubs.....
Growth Habit - Large Bush
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
Lizzano produces masses of fruits.....
Growth Habit - Semi Bush.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
Losetto was selected as one of the best for growing outdoors.....
Growth Habit - Large Bush.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.59
Baby Boomer is an perfect for smaller gardens in pots and tubs.....
Growth Habit - Dwarf, for Pots.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.49
Micro Tom is a revolutionary micro variety....
Growth Habit - Dwarf, for Pots.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
Rather unique new blight resistant bush variety for pots and tubs.....
Growth Habit - Large Bush
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
Tips For Growing Bush Tomatoes In Containers In The UK
Growing bush tomatoes in a container has many advantages, such as being able to move your plants around depending on weather conditions or for ease of harvesting. Here are some tips for successfully growing bush tomatoes in a container garden:
Firstly, make sure you choose the right size pot for your chosen tomato variety. Although there may be enough space within the pot initially, once the roots start developing they will need more room than expected. Therefore, we prefer when you select your containers.... the bigger the better!
Secondly, ensure adequate drainage by adding gravel or small stones into the bottom of each pot before filling it with compost. This provides good aeration which helps prevents waterlogging of the soil while also allowing excess water to drain away quickly. It is also important to use quality compost when planting bush tomatoes – this will provide essential nutrients which help keep your plants healthy throughout their growth period.
Finally, remember to water regularly but sparingly; too much can saturate the soil and cause root rot whereas not enough can stunt growth or even kill off young seedlings altogether! To avoid either scenario happening, check the soil daily through simple finger tests. You can also add mulch such as straw or wool around the base of each plant which will slow evaporation from hot summer days and prevent weeds from taking hold - this makes harvest easier too!
From Window Boxes To Raised Beds: Best Containers For Growing Bush Tomatoes
From small patio pots, to large whiskey barrels, to raised beds, there are a number of suitable containers for gardeners to choose from.
One option is to use patio pots, which are ideal for those with limited space or who live in an apartment setting. These pots come in many sizes and materials, and really the minimum size for most varieties should be 30cm upwards. The key is to ensure that they have good drainage and enough soil depth to promote root growth.
Whiskey provide more versatility when growing bush tomatoes than any other container type. They offer ample room for multiple plants while still maintaining a relatively small footprint in your garden. They also keep weeds at bay, retain moisture well, and can still be moved around if needed. As always, make sure you’re using quality potting soil and adding fertiliser as necessary throughout the season.
No matter what kind of container you decide on for growing bush tomatoes, proper planning will pay off in terms of yield and overall success. Be sure to check the variety you’ve selected for its specific size requirements before filling up your chosen vessel - this will help ensure healthy plant development!
Getting A Head Start: When To Sow Your Bush Tomato Seeds
Sowing bush tomato seeds indoors will get you an early start on the growing season. The best time for sowing depends on what variety of tomatoes you’re planting and which region of the UK you live in. Generally, if you’re planning to grow outdoors, most varieties should be sown indoors between late March and early May.
When sowing indoors, it's important to choose a sunny spot that won't get too hot during the day – like near a south-facing window or under a fluorescent light if there's no where with much light.
If using artificial lighting, make sure you give your seedlings at least 8 hours of light daily. Additionally, use a good quality compost for your seed sowing.
Once they have sprouted and grown their first set of true leaves (after about 7–10 days), transplant them into larger pots (about 10cm deep) filled with nutrient-rich compost and let them continue to develop until all danger of frost has passed outside and temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the day.
Timing Is Everything: When To Plant Out Bush Tomatoes In Containers In The UK
Tomato Plants are NOT frost hardy! They hate the cold, so knowing when to plant out bush tomatoes in containers is essential, as timing can make or break a successful harvest.
The best time to transplant your bush tomato plants from their pots into larger containers is when they are around 15cm tall and have developed several sets of true leaves - usually about 8 weeks after sowing indoors. This will also depend on how warm your home environment is though – if it’s still quite cold inside, then you may want to wait until late May, Early June before moving them outside. Temperatures should be at least 10°C before attempting any kind of outdoor planting.
When deciding where to position your new bush tomatoes in the garden, look for an area with plenty of sun and is out of the wind. Planting the plants deep enough so that only one set of leaves remain above ground level will encourage strong roots and promote healthy growth. Water regularly during dry spells but don't overwater as this can lead to waterlogging and disease. With careful attention, your hard work should soon start paying off come harvesting season!
Watering
When growing bush tomatoes in containers, it's important to consider how much and how often you should water them. Generally, these plants require regular watering for optimal growth. The frequency of your watering depends on the size of the pot and its drainage holes, as well as other factors such as sunlight or air temperature.
If your container has good drainage, then you can water more frequently - but be sure not to over-water! You'll want to check your soil regularly; if it's dry an inch below the surface, that means it's time to water.
For best results when watering bush tomatoes in containers, use a gentle water spray and water direct onto the compost in the pots rather than the whole plant.
Maximizing Yield: When And How To Feed Bush Tomato Plants In Containers
In order to maximize yield, it’s important to know when and how to feed your plants. Bush tomatoes require regular feeding with a good quality fertiliser that contains a full range of nutrients including both nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen helps promote top growth while phosphorus encourages strong root development and flowering so that you can enjoy ripe fruit sooner.
The best time to fertilise bush tomatoes about two weeks after planting and then every two weeks throughout the growing season. Fertilising too early or too late will decrease yields and delay ripening dates. Make sure you water it into the soil around the roots rather than directly onto the plants as this can cause burning or other damage to the plant.
Finally, always water heavily after applying fertiliser as this helps move nutrients down into the root zone where they are more readily available for uptake by the plant.
Our Thoughts
Growing bush tomatoes in containers is a great way to get fresh, delicious fruits even if you don't have much space. With the right varieties, containers and care, anyone can be successful at growing these tasty treats!
When selecting your bush tomato varieties for container gardening, choose those varieties that are well suited to the UK climate. Make sure your pots or planters provide plenty of drainage and water regularly during dry spells - but take care not to over-water. Feeding with a balanced liquid fertiliser will keep your plants healthy and help them reach their full potential.
Finally, timing is key when it comes to sowing seeds and planting out young seedlings. If you're patient and follow our advice above, you should be able to harvest handfuls of delicious bush tomatoes throughout the summer months!
What is your favourite variety for growing in containers? Leave a comment below and let everyone know....
All blog content on this page is copyright of SimplySeed and is not to be reproduced without prior written permission. ©
