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Raised Beds and Planters
One of the best options for growing large, robust tomato plants, raised beds and planter boxes provide loose, oxygen-rich soil that won’t get waterlogged, along with added protection. Raised beds and planters also make it simple to choose the best sunny location for tomatoes, and then create a raised bed or build a tomato planter box to fit that spot. It’s also easier to control growth of tomato plants, if necessary. Not to mention, raised beds make it easier to care for and harvest tomatoes without kneeling in the dirt. Though raised beds and planters offer many advantages for growing tomato plants, they’re also the most expensive methods.
One smart and economical option you should consider is a hay bale garden for growing tomato plants and other vegetables.
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Straight in the Soil
If you have a patch of rich, well-drained soil that gets plenty of sun, why not use it? With a little bit of soil prep, you can plant seedlings directly in the ground and watch them thrive. Many tomato enthusiasts like to wait for a warm day and warm soil for first planting.
A wire or wood cage for each plant is a good idea, especially for tomato varieties that produce large, heavy fruit. For some smaller varieties, a trellis is a great option. The trellis will keep the tomato plants growing upward and support any branches that become heavy when fruits start to form. All types of supports help to encourage good branch distribution.
