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Florida Gardening

growing tomatoes in containers zone 9a

15 years ago

Hi folks,

I am accepting tonkawatts offer of introduction to this forum. I hope she does not mind my coming on by myself. She has been of help already in answering some questions that I had. I am a Fl, native (endangered specis) and have a little experience in growing things (not much sucess). I am looking for a really good grape or cherry tomatoe (sweet and tender that will grow in a pot and not cost more to grow than you can by at Publix! As most of you know the soil in Palmcoast is not the greatest for this type of growing? what can be added that would benefit this type of growing? The soil is a very rich black type and seems to have very little iron or potassium. Could a sand be added and would that help??

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Comments (3)

tannatonk23_fl_z9a
15 years ago
Hi David,

Glad you decided to join us! I'll let someone with tomato experience answer your questions. Just wanted to say welcome and it sure is nice to see another poster from Palm Coast here!

~Betsy
solstice98
15 years ago
Hi David,
I'm just chiming in with a 'Welcome!'. I can't help with the tomato question because I also rely on Publix for my veggies. It works for me, but I know there are some master tomato growers on this forum and I'm sure they'll have some good advice for you.

Kate
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an_ill-mannered_ache
15 years ago
david,
lots of conversations about tomatoes going on now. clearly, people are fed up with salmonella-flavored overpriced tomatoes from the grocer.

are you planning on growing in containers, or in the ground? i'm confused, since you mention both. if you are planning to grow in pots, DO NOT USE the soil from your garden. the BEST mix i have ever found is al's mix -- in the search field (top of page) type "talpa container" and read that long, but very informative post. the gist of it is -- well drained, low-organic soil is best. i agree. if you can find a pine-fine based mix, use it. otherwise, you're best off mixing your own (equal parts perlite, pine fines, and peat).

i have great results from sungold (cherry size) and matt's wild (currant sized). both are highly resistant to diseases, produce much of the summer, and are vigorous, forgiving plants with great flavor. one of either will produce enough tomatoes to snack on every day of the summer.

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