Watering - from what I've found in reading around the web- tomatoes need to be kept steadily moist, not dry and not wet.
How does that translate (roughly) to how often to water?
I know it depends on the weather. I have read to water when the top one inch is dry, others say when it is 3 inches dry.
Maybe I should get one of those water meters - I don't like sticking my finger in.

Re fertilizing - I found this which makes sense to me-
"an all-purpose organic slow-release fertilizer, or one designed especially for growing tomatoes or vegetables, mixed into the potting soil. In addition, use a diluted fish emulsion/seaweed liquid, once every week or two."

Any feedback from experienced container tomato-growers appreciated. I really want to have delicious juicy new jersey tomatoes.

ellen

It's important that your container should be lightly colored. If it's black or dark it will absorb heat from the sun, if it is white or pastel, it will reflect the heat. What happens is that the sun can superheat the soil and it can singe immature roots, they then cannot efficiently, if at all, uptake moisture from the soil.

You can also place the container in part shade and have a very successful crop with only six or seven hours of sun everyday.

T

Pixie - that'a good idea. but I always was told to water until the water drips out the bottom - is that not sufficient?

thank you all. you can see I am a like a mother with her 1st child wanting to do everything right. :)

I did do a ramapo in a container 2 yrs ago, but the container was too small. I didn't get too many toms, but those I got were delicious. yummm

Karen