Grow tomatoes on the balcony

Choose varieties that will thrive on the balcony

Tomato plants do not have large roots, so all varieties can be cared for in one bucket. Most types of tomatoes, however, grow very large and take up a lot of space on the balcony.

So-called balcony tomatoes have a bushy, compact growth and are easier to accommodate. Since you can limit the growth of all tomato plants by pruning and pruning, you shouldn't worry too much. Choose the varieties that you like. All you have to do is put in more work if you choose traditional garden tomatoes.

Most varieties are available both as young plants in supermarkets or nurseries and as seeds. The tomato seeds are far cheaper. But the cultivation takes some work and you have way too many plants.

Those who only want to care for two or three plants on the balcony are better off with young plants. This is especially true if you would like to cultivate different varieties. If you sow anyway, sprinkle the seeds thinly on moist potting soil in March. Pluck the weakest plants regularly and plant the strongest individually in large flower pots from April. From the middle of May they are allowed to go into the shade on the balcony.

Plant tomatoes in pots

All tomatoes need a sunny and warm location. Make sure you have a sheltered place where the plants are protected from rain.

All containers that fit more than ten liters of soil are suitable as planters. Two large garden tomatoes or four bush tomatoes can be brought to harvest maturity in rectangular mortar buckets with a capacity of 60 liters.

Important: Tomatoes need a lot of water, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. There must be holes in the bottom or at a height of ten centimeters in the vessels so that excess water can run off. Fill in Garden soil with compost or potting soil with long-term tomato fertilizer in the containers. Without fertilizer take care of the plants.

Maintenance checklist

• Plant in nutrient-rich soil.
• Place in a sunny place protected from wind and rain.
• Water daily.
• Take out the side shoots twice a week (not applicable for bush varieties).
• For tall varieties, stick a stick in the ground.
• Tie the plants to the sticks with covered binding wire.
• Fertilize every 14 days from flowering.
• Spray twice a week with horsetail extract against late blight and brown rot.
• Cut off plants above the third inflorescence.
• Break off fruits as soon as they have taken on the correct color.

Illnesses don't have to be

Plant under the tomatoes lavender, Nasturtiums and basil. These plants drive away aphids and prevent soil from splashing on the leaves when watering. This protects against fungal diseases.

Spraying horsetail broth is another important contributor to keeping the plants healthy. The spray liquor strengthens the leaf tissue. This makes it difficult for the mushrooms to nestle.

In general, it is important not to place the plants too densely and to thin out the foliage. Leaves that are constantly touching or overlapping each other easily rot.

Avoid problems with the fruits

Tomatoes are sensitive to sudden changes. If you keep these too dry, they will burst when you water them. The same happens if you do not fertilize at first and only give them fertilizer at harvest time. Get into the habit of fertilizing and watering the plants regularly.

On the balcony there are seldom problems with temperature fluctuations or strong sun on rain-soaked tomatoes. The plants are more protected than in the garden and for these reasons rarely burst in this location.

An early cold spell can sometimes prevent it from maturing. Pick the green fruits and put them in a paper bag. At 18 to 20 degrees, your tomatoes will ripen in a few days.

Tomatoes are excellent to grow on a balcony. Just try it. A total crop failure is almost impossible.