Cherry tomatoes are unlike any other type of tomato. They can taste far fruitier than typical tomatoes and come in such a cute form. Who doesn’t love popping a few cherry tomatoes while chopping up a salad or as a snack? If you’re new to cherry tomatoes, why not try here and get some more information about them?
So, you’re now going to plant some cherry tomatoes in baskets. Maybe you want to hang them on your porch or near a window in your apartment. No matter the reason behind wanting to plant these delicious tiny fruits, you should know that it’s far easier than you think.
Choosing the right basket for cherry tomatoes
You might think any basket will do since cherry tomatoes are small, but that’s not true. You’ll need a basket that’s at least 12 inches in diameter. Why? The larger the basket you use, the more space your plants have to grow, and you’ll have to water them less. Space is your friend when it comes to tomatoes; they don’t like being pushed against each other.
Location is crucial for plenty of sunlight
Tomatoes need sunlight to grow, and cherry tomatoes are no different. Make sure that your tomatoes are near a window or, better yet, outside. Ensure that your tomato plants get up to eight hours of sunlight daily to give them the best odds of producing great-tasting fruit.
Not just any soil will do
Okay, the truth is, tomatoes will grow in just about any dirt you put the seeds in. That doesn’t mean your cherry tomato plants will thrive in soil that doesn’t have the right balance of nutrients.
You should use potting soil if at all possible when filling up your baskets with dirt. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer because that’s what tomatoes love the most. Some of you will want to go the organic route, and there are options for that type of fertilizer at your local garden center.
Plant your seeds a quarter inch deep
If you’re using seeds and not young plants, you’ll want to plant them a quarter inch deep. You don’t need to get out the ruler, but it’s not good to plant them too deep. A quarter inch is fine; it will give your seeds enough space to work their magic before greeting the world.
You should add more fertilizer over time
Using a liquid tomato fertilizer every two weeks is a good idea. If you can’t find any or don’t have the money, that’s okay. However, you should expect the best results only when making sure your tomatoes have plenty of food to satisfy them. It’s a small investment that will go a long way in ensuring that your cherry tomato plants produce the amount of fruit you want.
Check the soil daily to see if it’s dry
It can’t be stressed enough that you need to check the soil in your baskets at least every day. Soil in baskets gets drier faster than when in the garden, so be mindful of that. Always water the plant and not the leaves when you’re hydrating your tomatoes. Wet leaves are a big problem as they can cause serious problems for your tomatoes that can kill the plant.
How to tell when to harvest your tomatoes?
Harvesting your cherry tomatoes is the most fun aspect of growing them. You’ll know when they’re ready because your tomatoes will have that classic deep red ripe tomato look. The tomatoes will feel softer than they did throughout the early stages of their growth. Gently twist the tomato to pull it off the vine while making sure not to do any damage to the plant.
Conclusion
Are you ready to plant your first baskets of cherry tomatoes? If you are, you’re in good luck because it doesn’t take much to pull off growing the perfect cherry tomato. Cherry tomatoes are known for their great taste; gardeners love them because it doesn’t take an expert gardener to produce delicious results.
