Growing bags are the ideal medium to grow tomatoes in outdoor and greenhouse environments. To increase the compost in which the roots are planted, you can either place the tomatoes directly in the bag or use a growing ring. This will increase the water and nutrients available for each tomato plant and increase your tomato crop.
Materials Needed To Grow Tomatoes In A Growing Bag
- Growing bags
- Tomato plants
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Hand fork
- Trowel
- Growing ring, Optional
Step in Growing Tomatoes in a Growing Bag
- To fully hydrate pots of young tomato plants, soak them in water for at least an hour. This will reduce root damage when transplanting. Place the growing bag in a sunny place and shake it to loosen any compost.
- To expose the compost to be planted into the bag, cut a hole in the bag. If necessary, use a fork to remove any remaining compacted soil.
- To plant directly into the compost, you can use a hand trowel or a rake to make a hole in the soil and then gently remove the plant from its pot. After placing your tomato plant into the hole, replace the compost with fresh compost and allow it to firm up. Two plants are sufficient to make a 60-liter bag of compost. Three plants will suffice for a 75-liter bag. Water in well.
- Push the growing ring into the compost before you plant the tomato plant. Then add more multi-purpose, peat-free compost to the middle of the growth rings. After that, plant the tomato plant, as usual, making sure to water the soil well and firm the compost around it.
- To deter whitefly, it’s a good idea for companion plants to be grown, such as Tagetes or French marigold. Place one plant in the same place as the tomato.
- A growing ring has the advantage that water goes directly to the roots when it is watered. It doesn’t let water run off the compost surface. To increase your crop, water the plant regularly. Once flowers have appeared, fertilize with high-potash fertilizer weekly.
Tips To Help You Grow Tomatoes in Growing Bag
Protect tomato plants from slugs and damage
Grow bags can be easily damaged by accidental or deliberate damage. To protect your young tomato plants from pests and the elements, place your grow bag inside a tray that has a cloche. Thanks to the tray’s slim ridges at the bottom, the tray helps prevent spillage and compost leaking and aids drainage. The added height acts as an obstacle for slugs. You can also add slug tape around the rim to keep them away.
Don’t crowd your tomato plants
Do not plant more than three tomato plants in a grow bag. If you are unable to, plant two and add Marigolds. The genus Tagetes produces a substance called Alpha-terthienyl which helps to reduce root-knot and other disease-promoting organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Feed your tomatoes correctly
Plants need to be fed regularly with the correct nutrients for optimal health. The plants will need to replenish their nutrients when they have exhausted all the compost in the grow bags. You can give them a weekly dose either of a diluted tomato or all-purpose vegetable feed.
Nutrition for tomato plants
Choose a feed that contains a unique blend of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, as well as trace elements and micronutrients that will ensure your tomatoes get everything they need to thrive. You will see a stronger root system, stronger stems, and more fruiting areas in your tomato plants.
Water your tomatoes correctly
In hot summers, watering tomatoes can be difficult. Many gardeners are concerned about watering tomatoes correctly, such as how often and how much. To get the best results for tomatoes, you need to water them little and often.