Planting cocktail tomatoes on the balcony is not only possible, but also one of the best ways to grow this vegetable. Here are some important tips to maximize returns and minimize effort. Few vegetable plants are as vigorous as cocktail tomatoes. This characteristic combined with its preference for warm soils, its desire for constant care and its bushy shape makes it an ideal potted plant.
But if you think that getting these plants to thrive in a pot is as easy as sticking them in the ground and placing them in the sun, you might not get the results you're hoping for. However, with a few simple tips, even gardening newbies can, with little effort and even less spacea rich harvestof these sweet tomatoes.
While most people view a lack of garden and limited space as negatives when it comes to gardening, there are actually some benefits to growing your plants in pots instead of putting them in the ground. First of all, potted plants are much easier to keep weed-free and you can save water and fertilizer. But when it comes to cocktail tomatoes, the benefits go much further.
These cute little plants love attention. They grow quickly and require a lot of care to keep their shape and produce the optimal amount of fruit. And once they bear fruit, they do so almost constantly. Both factors speak in favor of cocktail tomatoesPlant balconyallow.
Pots also keep these delicate plants away from pests and provide adequate airflow to reduce the incidence of disease. Additionally, due to better drainage and limited soil, nutrient ratios are much easier to adjust in containers than in ground gardens.
In general, cocktail tomatoes are made for life in pots and containers. But if you want to maximize your yield and minimize your effort, read on for some step-by-step tips for planting cocktail tomatoes on your balcony.
You can find out how to grow tomatoes to save spaceout here!
Which types of tomatoes are suitable for the balcony?
Plant cocktail tomatoes on the balcony – these are the best varieties:
- Sweet million
- Gold Nugget
- Tiny
How tall do cocktail tomatoes grow?Many cocktail tomatoes are over two meters high and have many shoots. They are good for espaliering.
Fun fact: Are cherry tomatoes and cocktail tomatoes the same thing?
Cherry, grape, and cocktail tomatoes are all types of baby tomatoes, but there are some differences. Cherry tomatoes are the small, round guys with thin skins that squirt juice out of them when you bite into them. They are super sweet, have a high water content and come in many colors. Grape tomatoes are the elongated, grape-shaped tomatoes you often find in the supermarket. They have a lower water content and a thicker skin than cherry tomatoes, which means they last longer. Cocktail tomatoes are larger than grape and cherry tomatoes, but are still the small, sweet variety. They are grown hydroponically and can be found in many grocery stores. If you're looking for a decent specimen outside of actual tomato season, they're usually your best bet.
Planting cocktail tomatoes on the balcony – tips for a lush pot garden
Before planting your cocktail tomatoes on the balcony, you need to consider the pot size, the type of plants you want to grow and some other aspects that you may not have considered yet. Here are our pro tips for the perfect cocktail tomato pot garden.
Find the optimal location:All tomatoes like lots of sun and lots of warmth, and cherries are no different. But even if your patio doesn't have full sun, you can still grow these sweet vegetables. Find a spot with at least six hours of sun, eight hours or more is ideal.
Choose the right vessel:Your planter should be at least three feet deep. But more importantly, the pot must be at least 35 cm wide and hold at least 40 liters. Make sure the floor has enough drainage holes and don't be afraid to drill a few more if necessary.
Prepare your soil:Choose a high-quality, organic potting mix for vegetables. Most commercial potting soils are fortified with nutrients to get your tomatoes off to the right start, but by adding a few scoops of compost you can give your vegetables an extra boost.
Planting tomatoes on the balcony, watering and feeding:If your cocktail tomatoes are in pots, you will need to water them daily provided the drainage is good. Two weeks after planting, you should water with a soluble, balanced fertilizer once every week. When the plants begin to bloom, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer.
Care for maximum fruiting:Even compact, bushy container varieties will likely need some form of support when fruiting. Use a standard tomato cage or, better yet, an interlocking cage that can be customized to suit your plants' needs. Most cocktail tomatoes take about 10 weeks to grow and bear fruit. Don't cut back your plants too much, but cut off new leaf growth in thick areas to improve air circulation.
Harvest, harvest, and harvest some more:Harvesting your tomatoes before they are overripe will avoid unwanted attention from pests.
