Not a patio grower however some tips you may consider :

Be SURE your pots have holes in the bottom and I would poke them in the sides if you are doing it yourself.

Drainage is the key element as you don't want your roots to sit in wet soil. They also need air as you are simulating the ground that gets oxygen from surrounding soil.

A determinate type plant (one that only achieves a few feet in hieght among other factors) This will eliminate staking but you can find ways to stake an indeterminate tomato plant in a pot.

They also will need watering much more than a field planted one. I'm sold on moisture controlled mix as I've found they do retain moisture.

Do not keep them saturated, let them dry out completly between watering.

Have fun Good Luck I am sure eothers who do container planting are watching and can add too your thread.
There also is a containergardening forum here at GW,

Tom

I have a huge bucket

Can you tell us the size of this bucket? Like how many gallons of soil it will hold or what its measurements are? A 5 gallon bucket is the smallest recommended for most tomato plants, but bigger is better.

You will need a good container mix, not garden dirt or soil. What kind of tomato interests you? Big slicer types, small cherry types, different colors or round reds? How much sun does your patio get? Which direction does it face? Will you be home to water it several times a day?

More details please? ;)

Dave

Regarding the watering issue, I've had real good luck container growing tomatoes and bell peppers by taking two plastic soda bottles per each - the larger ones they sell at my local quick stop, believe they are 20 ounces. The first bottle, using a pretty small drill bit, I drilled holes in the cap and neck of this bottle. Cut the bottom off of both bottles with the second one cut mostly down to a lip and the neck. Place this second bottle over the open bottom of the first and fasten in place. I used duct tape. With the neck with holes down in the dirt, you can unscrew the cap and fill the bottle with water. I usually let this drain out and wait until I can stick my damp finger in the soil and find it comes out with dry soil stuck to it before refilling. I got this idea from something my grandfather did, which was to use full 2 liter bottles in his garden near each planting of tomato, bell pepper, watermelon, etc.

Okay...sorry I didn't have too many details to give you but all the adviceso far is greatly appreciated! I bought Miracle Grow potting mix bc ive seen that mentioned a lot on here as the best bet to go for the " patio grower". Andthe tomato plant i bought was a "big boy". Their a fairly goodsizethat i wanted to try. And it said determinate which is what i was looking for. The container it's in is a bucket that held 30 dry quarts of soil mix soi thought that was enough. I heard that bigger is better. And my patio doesnt get much light but it does get some. Any adviceon thelighting issue??? Andanything you want to post! Thanks!