Tips for Growing Tomatoes Year-Round in Containers

Micro tomato varieties have been bred for their compact size, and they offer many benefits to gardeners with small spaces or growing indoors. Micro tomatoes grow to a height of less than a foot and make perfect windowsill plants.

If you follow Cheryl Miller on Instagram (aka mybrentwoodgarden), you know she is a master at growing in containers. She grows a wide variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables at her home located in USDA growing zone 10b. Cheryl has been producing an abundance of tomatoes year-round organically and without any fancy equipment. As someone who is new to growing micro tomatoes, I was curious to know if Cheryl had any tips or tricks. Keep reading to get the answers to my burning questions!

Why do you grow micro tomatoes? 

Being able to grow something compact all year long (yes, I get tomatoes even in the winter) that provides me with fresh tomatoes really appeals to me. I grow my micro tomatoes indoors in containers and also in my GreenStalk vertical garden.  

Do you use grow lights or a windowsill to grow your micro tomatoes? 

I actually don’t own any grow lights. I am lucky that a sunny windowsill is enough to grow all my micro tomatoes in. The indirect light they get from the southeast facing window is enough to keep them happy. 

What size container do you use? Do you prefer one pot material over another?

My preferred size is a 7 inch container. I find that they fit well on my window sill and yet are large enough to be able to provide the micro tomato plants with enough space to grow. This size is also readily available.   

I grow my micro tomatoes in both terracotta and plastic. I like terracotta as it is porous and allows for air and water to flow through them. This is good for the roots but this also means they can dry out quicker. Terracotta pots also tend to be heavier and if you're not careful, can chip or break. I love how classic it looks. Plastic is lightweight yet strong. It is available in every colour and allows you to design a space. Plastic isn't porous so you don’t have to water the containers as frequently.   

Florida Petite micro tomatoes in terracotta pots

Do you ever prune or pinch your micro tomatoes? 

I don’t pinch them but I am a heavy pruner. I like to ensure there is a good amount of airflow so I will remove the bottom leaves of the plant. If any leaf doesn’t look healthy, it gets snipped immediately.

How do you pollinate your micro tomatoes?  

By hand. I tap on flowers that are in bloom a few times. Each tomato flower contains both male and female parts and is self-pollinating. Tapping on the flower helps releases the pollen.  

How many plants do you typically grow at once? 

Usually at least 2 of each variety. I might start a 3rd if I find that tomato tastes really good! 

Do you have a succession planting schedule for growing tomatoes all year? 

I do not have a fixed schedule for my micro tomatoes mainly because I can grow them all year round. I often start micro tomatoes seeds in January and February (the coldest months of the year for me) and am able to harvest them by end of May or early June. I will usually start a few new ones from seed end of July or early August if I find new and exciting varieties.

FloraGold micro tomato

Tell us about some of your favorite varieties. 

Fuzzy Wuzzy - The entire plant is fuzzy and has wooly green/grey leaves.  The micro tomato is striped orange/red skin and has a distinct peach fuzz skin. It is really sweet and fruity.   

FloraGold - These micro tomatoes will start off yellow turning to a golden colour as it ripens. They have a unique peanut butter after-taste. 

Bonsai - Ripens well & evenly, producing an abundant number of tomatoes on a small plant. It has thin skin, is balanced & not too tart.   

Do you have any other tips or tricks for growing micro tomatoes?  

• Keep the soil moist but not water logged.   

• Don’t overwater the plant. On average I water my micro tomatoes 3x a week.   

• Don’t be afraid to prune the leaves as this ensures good airflow which will help keep your plant healthy.  

Do you sell your own micro tomatoes seeds?

I do! 🙂 You can find the link to my little seed & sticker shop on my IG page or by clicking here.

Bonsai micro tomato