The Ultimate Guide to Growing Tomatoes on Your Balcony
Tomatoes are a popular choice for home gardeners, but did you know that they can also be grown on balconies? Not only are they delicious and versatile, but tomatoes are also surprisingly easy to grow in small spaces. In this guide, we'll show you how to grow your own tomatoes on your balcony, from selecting the best varieties to planting and caring for your plants.
Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties
When it comes to growing tomatoes on your balcony, it's important to choose the right variety. Look for compact, determinate varieties that are specifically bred for container gardening, such as 'Patio', 'Bush Early Girl', ‘Terenzo F1’or 'Tiny Tim'. These varieties have a smaller growth habit and don't require staking, making them ideal for smaller spaces. If you can’t find these specific varieties don’t worry - my tip is to start with cherry or smaller tomatoes. What you can also do, if you want to make your life even a little bit easier is buy a small tomato plant that will then grow bigger, a “seedling”. There are a few advantages to planting seedlings such as:
Time-saving: When you plant seedlings, you can skip the time-consuming process of starting seeds indoors and waiting for them to sprout. Seedlings are already established and ready to be transplanted, so you can start your garden right away.
Predictable growth: When you plant seedlings, you have a better idea of what the plant will look like and how it will perform. With seeds, there can be more variation in growth patterns and traits, which can make it harder to plan and maintain your garden.
Reduced risk of failure: Planting seedlings can be less risky than starting seeds from scratch. Seedlings have already overcome the challenges of germination and early growth, so they are less likely to fail due to poor soil, inconsistent watering, or other factors.
Improved yield: Seedlings can often produce fruit or flowers sooner than seed-planted plants, which can lead to a more abundant harvest. This is because seedlings have a head start on growth and can focus their energy on producing fruit rather than establishing their root system.
Planting Your Tomatoes
To get started, you'll need to plant your tomatoes indoors in early spring, around March or April. Fill a small pot with potting soil and plant one or two tomato seeds per pot. Cover the seeds with soil and water lightly. Place the pots in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist.
Once the seedlings have sprouted and grown to about 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) tall, it's time to transplant them to larger containers. Choose a pot that's at least 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and has good drainage. Fill the pot with potting soil and plant your tomato seedlings, burying them up to their first set of leaves. This will encourage a strong root system. If you decide to plant seedlings instead of seeds you can start a bit later and go right into the second step.
The moment you bring the plants outside really depends on where you live - the warmer the sooner - if you live in northern Europe wait till May or when you are sure there is no more frost at night while if you live in southern Europe or warmer climates you can already bring them out a bit earlier.
Caring for Your Tomatoes
Tomatoes require consistent watering and fertilising to thrive. Water your plants regularly, being careful not to overwater. Fertilise your plants every two weeks with a balanced fertiliser, following the instructions on the package. There are also several natural fertilisers that can be used to grow tomatoes. Here are a few options:
Compost: Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be made from organic waste such as food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. It provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients that are essential for plant growth. You can mix compost into your soil before planting or use it as a top dressing throughout the growing season.
Manure: Animal manure, such as cow, horse, or chicken manure, can be an effective fertiliser for tomatoes. It is high in nitrogen, which helps plants grow strong and healthy. However, be sure to use well-aged or composted manure, as fresh manure can be too strong and can burn your plants. Manure can be mixed into the soil before planting or used as a top dressing.
Fish emulsion: Fish emulsion is a liquid fertiliser made from fish waste that is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients. It can be diluted in water and applied to your tomato plants every two weeks during the growing season.
Bone meal: Bone meal is a slow-release fertiliser that is high in phosphorus, which is important for strong root growth and flower and fruit production. It can be mixed into the soil before planting or used as a top dressing.
Epsom salt: Epsom salt is a natural source of magnesium, which is important for photosynthesis and overall plant health. You can mix Epsom salt into the soil before planting or dissolve it in water and apply it as a foliar spray or soil drench during the growing season.
As your tomato plants grow, they may need support. Use a tomato cage or stake to keep the plant upright and to prevent it from sprawling. We also like to place the plants close to a wall and then add some sticks to help the tomatoes grow upwards. Be sure to remove any suckers (small shoots that grow from the base of the plant) to encourage the plant to put its energy into growing fruit.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Most tomato varieties take around 60-80 days to mature from planting to harvest. When your tomatoes are ripe, they will be firm but slightly soft to the touch, and they will have a deep, rich color. Simply twist or cut the tomato from the vine and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Tomatoes love sun and warmth, so be sure to choose a sunny spot for your plants.
Use a high-quality potting soil that's rich in nutrients and has good drainage.
Water your plants consistently, but be careful not to overwater.
Fertilise your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
Choose a compact, determinate variety that's bred for container gardening.
Be sure to remove any suckers to encourage fruit production.
If your plants become infected with pests or disease, treat them immediately with an organic pesticide or fungicide.
