These 10 tomato container hacks make growing tomatoes in containers easier, less work, and way more productive. I’ve learned them over years of trial and error—and once I started using them, everything changed. Healthier plants, more tomatoes, and way less stress. You’ll wish you knew these sooner… because I definitely do!
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19 Comments
So excited about this video. Last year i bought tomato plants and grew them. Now this year i started Purple Cherokees from seed and they have already popped up. Any tips on that specific variety?
Great ideas Kim. My tomato plant is only 2" tall in a solo cup. Can't wait to plant it into a container.
Thank you Kim.
I tried the forks last year to keep birds and squirrels out of my garden and containers. It works!!!
Argh I need to start my tomatoes! I have a random plant that popped up, though so that’s nice 🤣.
The “hacks” sounds like wisdom to me. 😊
The one that is essential for growing anything in pots in the blazing dry heat of Texas is the bottom watering container.
The “buddy plants” until they mature is what I do with basil. I sow multiple seeds in a flower pot instead of 6 packs. They grow up together until time to transplant.
I up-pot a few into one container at first and have backups too. I use the forks or skewers pointy side up to deter doves and squirrels. I always have skewers on hand for support as well. Ty. 😊
I saw an older video of yours that said to combine the 2 cages and this is the second year I’m doing it. Love that idea. Also the forks for the cats! I ordered too many 1 gallon fabric bags by mistake. What can I grow in them besides starter veggies?
I'm going to try that just want to u know my dad pass yesterday morning about 3 am
Can you please share a link to the large plant saucers featured. TY
Great tips, and you explain all the info so clearly. I use 8ft canes for my large varieties but seeing the cages makes me think they might be more efficient. All my growing is in fabric containers from very large to medium. So your idea of putting more than one plant in a large pot has helped. One of the smaller varieties is goldkrone. So I will do that with them. All from seeds now seedlings, almost ready to harden off so finger crossed. Thanks again for the tips. Take care Maggie UK
I have tried the forks for the last couple of years. At our house, the forks apparently signal the squirrels and others to eat here. (EDIT TO ADD). Full disclosure. Middle Tennessee. We have multiple predators. We're always fighting Mother Nature.
I love the plastic fork trick, there is a cat around here that was pooping in my garden area that is straight in ground (SUPER frustrating). I was using lemon branches because they have the spikes but I also have a clumsy 2 year old and 4 that like to play out back so I started using garden fabric but I am getting a couple boxes of plastic forks which will be WAY easier to feed and water during the season. Thanks, I never would have thought of that 😂
😂 I like the fork hack the best.
Hi Kim,
I put my poor seedlings through the torture test. As long as it is above freezing during the day, they go outside in the weather, rain, sun, wind, etc., they get full exposure. They stay out on nights forecasted to be 38F or warmer. Only the strong survive!
This year, I rolled the dice, and took a chance planting them two weeks before my last average frost date. Two frosts hit my area after planting them. It is a good thing I toughened them up. They shrugged off the frost without any damage, Jolene Tomatoes.
They are growing fast, strong, and healthy, and they are flowering and setting fruit. I expect to bring in the bulk of the tomato harvest before the summer heat hits, fresh tomatoes before July 4th. Yay!
great idea about the forks to discourage the cats!! I’m hoping for a good tomato year!! Last year I think it was spider mites that did me in😣
You never cease to amaze me! Never heard of the tomato tickle to simulate wind, thanks!
Terrific Video Kim! That fork idea is great for both cats and dogs! I'm going to use it. The insulated pot idea with bottom watering is awesome for the Heat that we get in the summer (plus my yard is 90% concrete). I also like the buddy planting in the same Smartpot. Sure could use that right now. This winter I started renovating my back yard. Best laid plans: in February I was told I needed two surgeries, so I'm racing to get the seedlings I already have, up potted before I am incapacitated. Keep the ideas coming! I'm always ready to learn something new! Happy Easter you two!
I am not the seasoned gardener you are but am a cancer survivor. I make sure any plastics I use are food safe and recyclable, Your plastic forks can seep toxic byproducts when in contact with hot food, or in your case in So. Calif. hot soil. These byproducts have been linked to fertility issues, cancer and liver and thyroid diseases. Am I over thinking? Maybe but better safe than sorry. I have had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and one year of an infused drug. Secondly the plastic forks are not recyclable due to type of plastic and/or size being to small for machines. So what have I used? Bamboo forks which can be purchased off Amazon. They will degrade in soil or when plants large enough so you don't worry about cats, they can be part of your compost. Win, win. Have watched your channel for years and have a book of yours.
Hacks & Mac! I need the Buddy Pot system! More space in my seed boxes!