How many tomato plants to put in a hanging basket

Hanging baskets are a wonderful addition to any garden. They allow you to add plants to your outdoor space even if you have limited ground space. One type of plant that works especially well in a hanging basket is tomatoes. Not only do they look beautiful cascading over the sides of the basket, but they can also produce a decent amount of fruit. However, how many tomato plants should you put in a hanging basket? Let's explore.

Determine the size of your basket

The first step in determining how many tomato plants to put in a hanging basket is to consider the size of your basket. Hanging baskets come in many sizes and shapes, so it's essential to choose the right one for your project. The size of your basket will affect the number of plants you can add, as well as the size of the plants they can grow.

If you have a small basket of around 8-10 inches, you may only be able to fit one tomato plant comfortably. However, if you have a larger basket of around 12-14 inches, you can typically add two to three plants.

Consider the variety of tomato plant

The variety of tomato plant that you want to use in your hanging basket will also impact how many you can add. Determinate tomato plants, which grow to a specific size and then stop, are the best choice for hanging baskets. They tend to be more compact than indeterminate varieties, which can grow quite tall and take up a lot of space.

When considering which varieties to plant, choose ones that have been specifically bred for container gardening. Cherry tomatoes, such as 'Tumbling Tom,' are an excellent choice for hanging baskets because they grow well in small spaces, and their small fruits add beautiful color to your hanging garden.

Space the plants appropriately

No matter how many tomato plants you decide to add to your hanging basket, it's essential to space them appropriately. Your plants need room to grow and a little space between each one is necessary to ensure they receive adequate sunlight and water.

For smaller baskets, it may be best to use just one plant and center it in the basket. For larger baskets, add three plants and space them evenly around the edge of the basket. You may also want to consider adding a trellis or support system to help keep the plants upright and prevent the basket from tipping over under the weight of the growing plants and fruits.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding how many tomato plants to put in a hanging basket, the size of the basket, the variety of tomato plant, and proper spacing are all important factors to consider. With a little planning and attention to these details, you can create a beautiful hanging garden that produces a bounty of delicious cherry tomatoes throughout the growing season.