How to Grow so Many Tomatoes in so Little Space | Best Way to Grow Tomatoes

What is the best way to grow tomatoes to get so many of them in so little space? You want to know for sure. In these 23 best tomato growing tips, you’ll find out how to do this.

best way to grow tomatoes

Best Ways to Grow Tomatoes in Small Space

1. Don’t start the plants too early before the season, unless you live in a warm climate otherwise; your tomato plants will be exposed to unexpected late frost and cold temperatures. The best planting time is when the temperature starts to stay above 50 F (10 C).

2. Unlike all other plants, tomatoes must be planted deeply. Deep planting encourages healthy and strong root system. At the time of planting, cover bottom 2/3 part of your tomato seedling with potting soil. For example, if your plant is 10 inches high leave only 3 inches of its height from the top.

3. Grow determinate varieties of tomatoes if you’re short of space or growing tomatoes in containers. Determinate tomatoes don’t grow too tall or wide (generally, 3-4 feet). Both hybrid and heirloom cultivars are available in it.

Also Read: Best Tomato Varieties for Container Gardeners

4. Growing indeterminate tomatoes in a small space is a mistake, they easily grow above 6 feet tall normally and spread a lot, thus require strong support by caging or staking. On the other hand, the determinate type of tomatoes requires slight support.

5. Space your tomato plants 18 inches apart (determinate one). Ideally, you should leave the space of 24 inches if possible. Tomato plants grown too close are prone to fungal diseases and are less productive.

6. On a small balcony, you can even grow smaller varieties more closely. Consider cherry tomatoes. But remember, tomatoes growing too tightly require more attention: More fertilizer, water, and pruning.

Also Read: Growing Tomatoes on a Balcony

7. Pruning is not necessary unless plants are grown too close. Prune tangling branches that are blocking the airflow and penetration of sun. Also, remove suckers (emerging stems) up to 6-8 inches under each plant. This will improve the productivity of the plant.

8. Use large pots to grow tomatoes. You can use a 5-gallon pot that is 10 to 12 inches deep for a single plant of determinate variety, for an indeterminate type choose a bigger container.

Also Read: Best Tomato Growing Tips

9. The container should be deep, at least, 12 inches is necessary.

10. Caging needs more space so instead of it, support tomatoes by stacking. If you are growing tomatoes on a balcony, consider tying them up to the railing.

11. Don’t grow tomatoes upside down. It is a fancy idea but not a practical one. However, you can grow tomatoes (cherry tomatoes) in hanging baskets.

12. Provide the sun, as much sun as possible. The more your tomato plant will soak the sunlight, the more they will fruit.

Also ReadQuick tomato tip

13. Use soilless potting mix for the better result. You can buy it or make your own.

14. Soil pH matters. Ideal pH for tomatoes is around 6 – 6.8. Slightly acidic to neutral.

15. Add worm castings or vermicompost to the soil. You can also put worms in the soil.

16. When growing tomatoes in a container, regular watering is essential. Watering must be done in the morning. Almost every day in summer. In tropics, you may need to water twice a day.

Also Read: How to Water Container Plants

17. Avoid overhead watering. Wetting the foliage is a bad practice as wet leaves and stems are more prone to diseases.

18. Use tomato feed to fertilize your plants. Apply less dose than the instruction given on the packet but more often. Consider half of the recommended dose, but twice.

19. At the time of planting, place 2-3 crushed chicken eggshells in the bottom. This will provide a constant supply of minerals and calcium to the plant. Deficiency of calcium promotes blossom end rot in tomatoes. It is an essential element in the uptake of nutrients. Calcium also saves the plant from heat stress and affects fruit quality.

Also Read: Growing Tomatoes Indoors

20. Sprinkle some bonemeal at the time of planting, especially if your soil lacks calcium. Bonemeal will also provide a slow and steady supply of phosphorus to the plant. It is an organic product that consists of a higher amount of phosphorus and calcium.

21. Use Epsom salt for tomatoes. To know why and how to do this check out our article.

22. Once in a month, fertilize the plant with compost or manure tea.

23. Mulch your tomato plants, it is essential. For mulching, use organic matter, crushed eggshell, and coffee ground or tea.

Also Read: Using Coffee Grounds in the Garden

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Grow Tons of Tomatoes without a Garden in a small space with surprising tomato growing secrets you've never known!


  1. You can cordon grow indeterminate tomatoes spacing them as close as 12-18 inches. I get far more tomatoes cordon growing indeterminate tomatoes vs letting determinate tomatoes sprawl. Cordon growing requires pruning and staking but it keeps the fruit clean, keeps the air moving and looks clean and tidy in the garden. It also produces larger fruit, and I find they ripen faster. In prior years where I let my vines sprawl and I struggled to find ways to keep them off the ground I had nothing but issues – it’s worth the effort to cordon grow, well it’s worth the effort for me because I have limited space and LOVE my heirloom tomatoes.

  2. This is quite interesting. Where can one get the seeds. it got me fascinating. can these specie grow in tropical climate?

  3. Good and useful information. How and where can I get the tomatoes seed especially the determinate tomatoes seeds. Please can you explain the preferred time to plant in the tomatoes in the tropics.
    Thank you.


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