Whether in boxes or pots - tomatoes are easy to grow on the balcony. Nothing goes wrong with our tips.
It's no longer a secret that home-grown vegetables are much tastier than those from the supermarket. Tomatoes from our own cultivation also taste much more aromatic and fruity.
Tomatoes can't only be planted in beds, nowadays you can easily plant both cherry tomatoes and large tomatoes in pots on the balcony. However, it should be big enough, as tomato plants need a lot of space. But that's not all.
So that nothing goes wrong when growing tomatoes, we have put together a few tips for you here.
Find the ideal location
Prefers sun
Not every balcony is suitable for growing tomatoes. Tomatoes come from very sun-drenched areas, so they need a lot of sun to thrive. For this reason, the balcony must necessarily face south or south-west, because the tomato needs as many hours of sunshine as possible. You don't have to worry that the plants will suffer from excessive heat. They're used to it by nature.
Plant sheltered from the wind
The location on the balcony should always be sheltered from the wind. This will prevent twisting when the plant is taller. Rain does not do the tomatoes very well either, as it promotes the development of fungal diseases. So it would be ideal if the balcony is covered. It is best to place the plant directly in front of the wall, this also stores additional heat and then gives it off again.
The best varieties for the balcony
You can now find a huge selection of different tomato varieties and growth forms in stores. Since space on the balcony is limited, it is best to opt for high-growing varieties, the so-called stick tomatoes. You can then tie them to wooden sticks and pull them up. It is best to put a stick at least two meters high in the bucket as a climbing aid.
» Tip: If you only have a small balcony, you should opt for the small cocktail tomatoes. These will nothigh, but convince with a large number of fruits. You don't necessarily have to buy young plants, you can of course also grow the tomatoes from seeds. From March/April you can start growing on the windowsill or in the heated greenhouse.
Tips for growing tomatoes
What is required?
In order for tomatoes to thrive on the balcony, they not only need lots of sun, but also the right planters. The material doesn't matter, it's the size that counts. For one plant you need a container with a capacity of at least 15 liters. You can also place two plants together in a 40 liter pot. The tomatoes develop long roots, so they should have enough space. You can plant them in smaller containers, but the harvest won't be nearly as big.
The real earth
It is best to put nutrient-rich soil in the bucket. You can enrich this with compost or a special tomato fertilizer, for example. To loosen up the soil a bit, you can add some fine gravel or expanded clay. Since the plants are extremely sensitive to frost, you can only go out on the balcony from mid-May.
Avoid waterlogging
Another important criterion is the water drainage. If this is not available, waterlogging quickly occurs, which is fatal for tomato plants. It is best to cover the hole in the bottom of the bucket with a few broken potsherds to ensure that excess water can drain away.
Caring for tomatoes on the balcony
Tip 1: Squeeze it out
During the growth phase, you should regularly thin out the tomato plant, which is also known as pinching out. Remove the side shoots about weekly. In this way, the plant grows taller than wide and puts all its energy into the development of the tomatoes. This care measure is not necessary for cocktail tomatoes, since the fruits remain very small anyway. You shouldn't exhaust vine tomatoes either, because their growth is bushy.
The lower leaves are also regularly removed as they are mostly in contact with the ground.
Tip 2: Water regularly
Tomatoes need a lot of water in summer, so the soil should always be kept moist. However, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs! On very hot days you may have to water twice a day. Always avoid wetness on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Tip 3: Fertilize tomatoes
TheTomatoes are among the so-called heavy consumers, which means that they need a lot of nutrients. While the plants are growing, you should also provide them with a tomato fertilizer daily via the irrigation water. When dosing, always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. Over-fertilization can cause serious damage to plants. (Reading tip: Fertilize tomatoes - That's how it's done)
Tomato plants are actually biennials, so you might as well let them overwinter somewhere warmer. However, it's not really worth it, because the harvest is very small in the second year.