Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: staris on March 10, 2009, 00:09:17

Title: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: staris on March 10, 2009, 00:09:17
i'm undecided on which of these pots will be best suited for growing tomato's and chilli's in the poll tunnel.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/30-X-10-LITRE-PLASTIC-PLANT-POTS-BUCKETS-NO-HOLES_W0QQitemZ140221920927QQihZ004QQcategoryZ20515QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/30-X-5-LITRE-PLASTIC-PLANT-POTS-BUCKETS-NO-HOLES_W0QQitemZ130212127853QQihZ003QQcategoryZ20515QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: Squash63 on March 10, 2009, 06:12:12
For tomatoes I use the 10 litre size, with the bottom cut off.  But I was lucky enough to get them free from someone at the allotments.  He said that florists will often give them away, or charge just a few pence for them.
I grow small chillies in smaller pots but this size would be fine for the large ones.
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: PurpleHeather on March 10, 2009, 07:31:42
I have used the buckets florists have and drilled holes in the bottom.
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: saddad on March 10, 2009, 07:36:42
Florist's buckets, no bottoms sunk into the border or a grow bag here...
;D
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: PurpleHeather on March 10, 2009, 07:49:23
Quote from: saddad on March 10, 2009, 07:36:42
Florist's buckets, no bottoms sunk into the border or a grow bag here...
;D

Known as 'Dear Lizas'

From the song.
There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, etc
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: saddad on March 10, 2009, 07:50:12
" Then mend it dear Henry...."  :-*
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: teresa on March 10, 2009, 12:26:04
Florist's buckets with holes works for me, you can by them at Morrisons supemarkets as well.
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: Tee Gee on March 10, 2009, 14:52:13
Once you get your buckets treat them like this ( from pic 5 onwards)

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomato%20culture/tomato%20culture.html (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomato%20culture/tomato%20culture.html)
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: *pixie* on March 10, 2009, 15:48:33
Quote from: Tee Gee on March 10, 2009, 14:52:13
Once you get your buckets treat them like this ( from pic 5 onwards)

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomato%20culture/tomato%20culture.html (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tomato/Tomato%20culture/tomato%20culture.html)

Very useful thank you.
Is this better than using a standard grow bag? I have read other posts about the 2 types of roots.
Also pic 7 onwards there is small plastic pots in the larger ones, what are they for?
Thanks
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: Tee Gee on March 10, 2009, 16:30:41
QuoteAlso pic 7 onwards there is small plastic pots in the larger ones, what are they for?

Watering!!

Once the large pots/rings/buckets get root bound it is difficult to water the whole root system, this pot takes the water down 4"-6" at least.

Plus it keeps the base of the plant dry to prevent neck rot.

Plus you do not wash the soil/compost off the surface feeder roots. If this happens the feeding potential drops!
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: staris on March 10, 2009, 19:55:13
thx all 10ltr pots it is  ;D
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: caroline7758 on March 10, 2009, 20:18:59
I used black buckets last year but didn't cut the bottoms out. What do you all use for cutting them?
Title: Re: which size pots for tomato's
Post by: greenstar on March 10, 2009, 21:10:05
A big sharp knife!

The ones I have had a sort of a circle within a circle on the bottom, so I cut out the inner circle and this seemed to help retain the stability of the cheapo black buckets, but also let the main water seeking roots through.  Had massive plants last year and gazillions of tomatoes.