From

Location

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Date Posted

St Louis, MO

Hey everyone! With an epic failure last year due to multiple reasons including animals, possible herbicide damage, and walnut trees, im deciding to just get some decent results and have a go with fabric pots this season for my giant maters. I will be using a “living soil” but want to make sure I’m going big enough? Are 30 gallon pots large enough to get a decent size tomato with good fertility. Thanks!

2/8/2023 5:24:23 PM

San Diego, CA

I don't have experience with 30 gallon grow bags, but did I grow tomatoes in 45 gallon fabric bags last season and was able to grow three 5 pounders. 45 seemed large enough to allow plenty of space for roots. In my previous season, I grew in 15 gallon fabric bags which were much too small. Plants were rootbound.

2/8/2023 6:33:22 PM

St Louis, MO

Might have to go 45 then! I would be extremely happy with 5lbs! Lol. But that’s what I was most concerned with was having root bound plants, thanks for the feedback!

2/8/2023 7:13:31 PM

San Diego, CA

I believe an elite grower grew a 7 pounder in a 30 gallon grow bag last season. We'll see if they chime in.

2/8/2023 7:28:55 PM

St Louis, MO

Interesting! Of course the bigger the better, but I am curious to see at what size does that potential really go down?

2/8/2023 7:36:53 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

Saswampo is probably about someone else but I'll chime in here,I grew a 7.62 in either a 20 or 25 gallon pot just for kicks and giggles, I'm sure that you can grow much bigger that that since it was a very poor blossom, basically a single,so yes it's very doable.

2/8/2023 7:39:29 PM

San Diego, CA

Yes, I was referring to Dan S. Thought is was 30 gal, but looks like it was even smaller. WOW!!

2/8/2023 7:54:25 PM

St Louis, MO

Wow that’s awesome Dan! I will growing mostly your seeds as well! 👍 So sounds like I’m in the right ballpark.

2/8/2023 8:07:03 PM

St Louis, MO

Looks like the post didn’t want my emoji in there lol

2/8/2023 8:07:41 PM

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=319687

2/8/2023 9:03:35 PM

St Louis, MO

Oh man!! Lol. Ok then I think you all answered my question! Im pretty excited about this season! Feeling optimistic on the results.

2/8/2023 10:50:01 PM

Colorado

Good luck. We are rooting for you.

2/8/2023 10:53:20 PM

Norfolk, UK

Spudder kindly posted the final weight for my 5 us gallon pot tomato - 6.85lb. A picture here mid grow, but good visibility of the pot - http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=318717.

I went as small as that on the pot for that specific challenge tho, so would have gone bigger if not for the challenge. Good luck!

2/9/2023 11:55:01 AM

Norfolk, UK

Have sent an article over email I did for one of the newsletters at the time. I opted for BigZac on the challenge as find them less prone to BER, which is a greater risk in a pot.

2/9/2023 12:16:16 PM

St Louis, MO

I appreciate all the info and encouragement! Thanks! I’ll be starting a growers diary when I start picking up materials!

2/9/2023 2:39:23 PM

Webster Groves, MO

Jbrickey--
Great to see another St.Louisan on board. I always grow a few giant tomato plants in 27 gallon pots (plastic), however, they never rival the in-ground plants. Considering this area's heat + humidity, make sure your pots (roots) are as cool as possible.
Try growing them pot-in a-pot. Avoid having direct Sun bake
the sides of the pots as this will cook the roots.

2/9/2023 6:38:17 PM

St Louis, MO

Hey that’s awesome! Yeah we have a rough growing season for sure lol! I was going to use tan fabric to keep temp down, but I also like the pot in a pot idea as well! Hmmm I may make something like that? And my wife would appreciate if it was more appealing than just pots haha

2/9/2023 8:47:01 PM

On a cliff in the desert

Do a raised bed. You can plant a couple of plants in a good sized bed.

2/9/2023 10:15:53 PM

Walla Walla Wa.

Yes, a raised bed would be much better!

2/10/2023 12:01:46 AM

On a cliff in the desert

You can plant marigolds, lavender, basil, parsley, and chives as companion plants in your raised bed to make it look more attractive.

2/10/2023 2:05:38 AM

On a cliff in the desert

You can plant marigolds, lavender, basil, parsley, and chives as companion plants in your raised bed to make it look more attractive.

2/10/2023 2:05:38 AM

St Louis, MO

Thanks for all the input! I appreciate it! And yeah a nice raised bed might work really well!

2/10/2023 12:29:49 PM