If you are concerned about the safety of store-bought tomatoes, you can grow your own tomatoes in pots at home.

Tomatoes are a fruit rich in nutrients beneficial to human health. They can be eaten raw or cooked and used in various dishes such as salads, tomato sauce for meat and fish, spaghetti with tomato sauce, and tomato soup.

Nowadays, many people choose to grow tomatoes in pots on their balconies or rooftops to have clean, safe food. However, not everyone succeeds in growing tomatoes at home.

Below is a guide on how to grow potted tomatoes with abundant fruit:

Materials You Need Before Planting Tomatoes

• Planting Pot: Tomatoes grow vigorously and have many branches, so it is advisable to use a foam box for planting. Make sure the bottom of the foam box has drainage holes to ensure proper water drainage.

• Tomato Seeds: There are various tomato varieties to choose from, including cherry tomatoes, black tomatoes, pear-shaped tomatoes, or large-sized tomatoes with colors ranging from yellow to red when ripe. You can plant any type you prefer. However, organic tomato varieties are widely favored and easy to grow. You can purchase one-month-old seedlings from nurseries. Alternatively, you can use seeds from ripe tomatoes if you do not have access to purchased seeds.

• Soil: Tomatoes can grow in different soil types, but organic soil is recommended as it is clean and rich in nutrients, ensuring healthy plant growth. Tomatoes require nutrient-rich and well-aerated soil, so mixing in rice husks and well-composted manure will be beneficial. If you cannot make organic fertilizer yourself, you can buy ready-made compost from agricultural supply stores.

• Light for Growth: Tomatoes love sunlight. Therefore, the ideal planting location should receive plenty of sunlight, at least 6 to 7 hours per day. Rooftops with shade nets or balconies are excellent choices. During the fruit ripening stage, exposure to ample sunlight will enhance the fruit's flavor.

• Planting Tools: Watering cans, foam boxes with drainage holes, and other essential gardening tools.

• Best Planting Time: Tomatoes can be planted in three main periods throughout the year:

  • Early Season: Sowing in July-August, harvesting from late October to December.

  • Main Season: Sowing in mid-September to October, harvesting from February to March.

  • Late Season: Sowing in November-December, harvesting from March to April.

How to Grow Tomatoes in Foam Boxes

• Germinating Tomato Seeds: Sow tomato seeds in a soil bed, water them daily to maintain moisture, and wait for the seeds to sprout and develop leaves. Place the seed tray in a well-lit area and protect it from mice and birds. Tomato seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days.

• Transplanting One-Month-Old Seedlings: When the seedlings reach a height of 10-25 cm, transplant them into foam boxes. Ensure the soil is well-aerated. In a large foam box, you can plant 2-3 seedlings in the center. Bury about 50% of the stem below the soil surface, as this section will soon develop additional roots, making the plant stronger.

• Caring for Tomato Plants:

  • For the first 7-10 days after transplanting, water the plants regularly, preferably in the morning or late afternoon (5-6 PM). Avoid watering the leaves at night, as moisture can encourage diseases such as leaf blight.

  • The amount of water required varies depending on the plant’s growth stage. When young, watering about 500ml per day is sufficient.

  • During the flowering and fruit-setting stages, tomatoes require more water. Insufficient water can cause the plant and leaves to dry out, leading to fruit drop. You can use rice-washing water to water the plants daily, which is beneficial for their growth.

• Soil Drainage and Support:

  • Always ensure the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. Overwatering can damage the plant’s delicate root system, making it susceptible to pests and diseases.

  • When tomatoes start fruiting, excessive rain can slow ripening and cause fruit cracking due to excess moisture.

  • Tomato stems are weak and prone to bending, so at around 1.5 - 2 months, provide support using stakes or trellises. Secure the plant stems to the stakes to prevent collapse under the weight of the fruits. The type of support depends on the tomato variety: small stakes work for cherry tomatoes, while larger varieties require sturdy trellises.

• Additional Tips for Growing Tomatoes:

  • In hot weather, place a layer of straw or dry grass on the soil surface to retain moisture.

  • If the plant produces many flowers, gently shake it to aid pollination and improve fruit set.

  • Usually, within two months of transplanting, the first fruit clusters will appear. Initially, the fruits are green, gradually growing larger and turning deep red when ripe. Avoid eating green tomatoes, as they contain compounds that may cause toxicity.

• Fertilizing the Plants: Tomatoes require ample nutrients to support stem, leaf, and fruit development. Once the plants start flowering and fruiting, supplement with organic fertilizer.

• Harvesting Tomatoes: Fully ripened tomatoes contain the highest levels of vitamin C and natural sugars. Market-sold tomatoes are often harvested when yellowish and artificially ripened during transport, making them less vibrant and firmer compared to home-grown tomatoes.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow delicious and nutritious tomatoes at home.