How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes in Pots so you can enjoy a summer snack no matter where you live. I love tomatoes, and nothing says summer more than fresh tomatoes growing in a backyard garden.

But not everyone has the room or the time for one, and that is probably why you are here to find an easier way to grow the food you love.

This easy list of tips for container gardening will have you set up an growing in no time. Get ready summer, here come the tomatoes!

Growing cherry tomatoes in pots is a simple shortcut way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce—no matter how little space you have.

The beauty of growing in containers is you can tuck them in wherever you have the space, allowing you to grow all the vegetables, herbs, and fruit you love.

With just a few simple adjustments, you can recreate a traditional garden in your containers—and the best part is, it’s quick and easy.

Your next BLT could feature homegrown tomatoes. Find out How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots and make your meals even more delicious.

Benefits of Growing in Containers

One of the biggest benefits of using containers for gardening is prep work is nothing compared to setting up a traditional garden.

There are no heavy lifting chores such as removing sod or tilling up hard ground.

Another huge benefit is the ability to bring the garden up closer to eye level reducing the need to constantly bend over a game changer for anyone suffering from a bad back or stiff knees.

Containers allow you to grow anywhere, on stairs, tables or benches allowing you to make the most of your space.

New to gardening? Learn How to Grow Tomatoes for Beginners and start growing your own food today.

Do cherry tomatoes grow well in pots?

The short answer is yes, cherry tomatoes can grow very well in pots. In fact, they are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers.

Cherry tomatoes have a shallow root system and do not require a lot of space, making them perfect for growing in a contained space.

As long as you have an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, you can grow cherry tomatoes with success.

green cherry tomatoes growing on a plant in a pot

Choosing the Right Container

The first step is choosing the right container to grow your plants in. You want a pot that is at least 12-18 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom.

This will ensure that your plants have enough room to grow and that excess water can drain out.

The best of gardening this way is you can get creative with your container allowing you to have a bit of fun with your set up.

Large terra cotta pots
An old stock pot
A wooden barrel or box

Or you can take a more affordable approach:

Plastic buckets
Recycled plastic pots from a nursery
Grow bags

Xmpmrb Grow Bags 5Gal/7Gal/10Gal * 2 ，6 Pack Vegetable/Flower/Plant Grow Bags ，Plant Fabric Pots with Handles for Garden and Outdoor Planting (6 Colour, 5 Gallon)Cavisoo 24-Pack 5 Gallon Grow Bags, Heavy Duty Thickened Non-Woven Plant Fabric Pots with Reinforced Handles KameL – 5 Gallon Pots for Plants – 5Pcs Nursery Pots 5 Gallon – Highly Durable and Sturdy Large Plastic Plant pots – Bottom Drainage Design – (5 Gallon, Terracotta)

How to Prepare the Container for Growing

Once you have chosen your container, it is important to properly prepare it for planting. This will ensure you get the best harvest at the right time.

Step #1. Clean the Container

Start by cleaning the container out using a very small amount of soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and let it dry in the warm sunshine. The sun is a natural disinfectant, and drying your container this way will ensure you have a fresh and clean space to grow.

Step #2. Add Drainage

If you have a container without drainage, you will want to add some now. Using a hand drill or a hammer and nail, put a few holes in the bottom of the container.

The reason you need drainage is to allow any excess water to drip out and keep the roots moist but not soggy. Constant or overly wet soil can cause root rot in your plants.

Step #3. Fill with Soil

Next, you will want to fill your container with high-quality potting mix. Mix is a blend of lightweight materials that isn’t soil making it great for container growing.

The perlite allows for drainage giving your plants the best conditions to grow in.

Since potting mix is light weight, you will be able to move your containers even after they are planted, another bonus of growing in pots.

Most mix is made with organic materials, but you will want to read the label to be sure as not all mixes are alike.

Fill the container about 2/3 full allowing enough room for the plant. As things settle you will need to add more mix being sure to leave about an inch of space at the top for watering.

How much sun do cherry tomatoes need to grow?

Cherry tomatoes are sun-loving plants and require at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day to thrive. In hotter climates, they may benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent damage from intense sunlight.

Make sure your container is placed in a spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day for best results. If you notice your plant leaning towards one direction, you can rotate the container to ensure even sun exposure.

green cherry tomatoes growing in a grow bag

Planting Cherry Tomatoes in Pots

Planting your containers is very similar to a traditional garden with just a few exceptions.

1. Choose the Right Varieties

You can grow any plant in a container, but if you want a better chance at success, look for varieties specifically bred for container gardening.

Sweet 100 – 10 gallon container
Tiny Tim – 3-5 gallon container
Tumbling Tom – 3-5 gallon container
Baxter’s Bush Cherry – 5 gallon container
Cherry Falls – 5 gallon container

2. Planting Depth and Spacing

Remove the plant from the container and gently loosen the roots with your hand.
Make a hole that is about 2-3 inches deep in the center of your container.
Cover two-thirds of the tomato stem with soil. This will help to encourage root growth, giving you a healthier plant.
Using your hands, gently pack the soil around the roots to secure it in place.
Finish by water thoroughly without flooding the container.

3. Care and Maintenance

Cherry tomatoes in pots require regular watering as the enclosed space let’s water evaporate more quickly.

If you live in a warm area, plan to water daily and twice a day if the weather is very hot and dry.

Be sure you are not overwatering with this test: Stick your finger into the soil about 1″ in. If it feels dry you know you need to water. If it is soppy wet, wait until things dry up.

Water is a key part of a healthy plant, too much is just as harmful as too little. Have a consistent routine and monitor levels often.

a stream of water showering down onto a tomato plant in a grow bag

Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases and address them promptly. Prune off any yellow or diseased leaves to keep your plant healthy.

4. Support

Tomato plants, especially cherries, need support for their vines to help hold the weight of the fruit. You can use a tomato cage or trellis for support, making sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the plant as it grows.

It’s best to set up your support at the time of planting to avoid damaging the stems or roots later on.

Plant Stakes,18 Inches Natural Garden Bamboo Sticks,BOVITRO 20Pcs Plant Support Stakes for Tomatoes,Beans,Vegetable and Potted Plants 3 Pack 48 Inches Large Tomato Cages for Garden – Multifunctional Purple Tomato Plant Support for Vine, Vegetables, Fruits & Flowers with Adjustable Stake Arms – Non-Rusting with 20pcs Plant Clips Cludoo 96PCS Garden Stakes Set with 30 Sets Fiberglass Tomato Stakes and Accessories, DIY 3ft 4ft 5ft 6ft 7ft Plant Stakes Sticks Supports for Vegetables, Tomato, Pepper, Fences Indoor Outdoor Plants

Harvesting Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are usually ready for harvest around 60-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. They can be harvested when they are fully ripe, with a rich red color and slightly soft to the touch.

Gently twist the tomatoes off the vine or use scissors to avoid damaging the plant. It’s important to regularly harvest ripe tomatoes as leaving them on the plant for too long can cause them to split or rot.

A hand holding cherry tomatoes on a plant growing in a container

End of Year Clean Up

As the growing season comes to an end, it’s important to clean up your containers and prepare them for next year.

Remove all remaining plant material from the container and discard in a compost bin or trash. You can also remove any stakes or supports used during the growing season.

Clean the container with a mixture of water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and let dry before storing it away. This will prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in the container and ensure a fresh start for next year’s crop.

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Additional Tips for Growing Cherry Tomatoes

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply every 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions and container drainage.
Be sure to have support early on so your plants can grow strong from day one.

tomatoes growing in a container with a red stake for support

Fertilize your cherry tomatoes regularly with a balanced fertilizer according to package instructions. Too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but fewer fruits.
Prune off any suckers (small shoots that grow from the base of leaves) to encourage larger, healthier fruits.
Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Handpick them or use organic pest control methods to keep your plants healthy.
If growing cherry tomatoes in a cold climate, consider using a container with a built-in trellis or adding stakes for support as the plant grows. This will prevent the plant from toppling over due to high winds or heavy fruit.

Growing cherry tomatoes in pots is a great way to add a bit of summer freshness to your home. By choosing the best container, filling it with organic mix, planting, and watering throughout, you will have tomatoes growing and ripening all summer long.

Keep this guide with your list of Gardening 101 tips that you can use in the country, suburbs, or even the city. Growing the vegetables you love in containers right on your back porch.

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