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Date Posted

Norfolk, UK

I’ll confess - I hate pots.

But pushed in different directions, I think you learn stuff.

For those who participated, what have you learnt? Anything you would do differently or would try with in ground tomatoes?

Would you be tempted to do the challenge again?

BER I think a problem for me, as many - I tried to pick varieties less prone to BER, but still had issues on 3 out of 4 plants.

That said - amazing fibrous root growth with fabric pots tho - that was interesting to see (see: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=319464).

So far, interestingly my best bloom also was in a pot. Garden Rebel too given an awesome blossom and - wow - that’s a hell of a tomato!. Chance? Or a plant geared to early generative growth given restrictive conditions, blooms given a boost.

What are people’s observations from giving it a go!

8/21/2020 4:18:44 PM

Central NY

I learned I’m gonna be shaking down the Rebel all winter long. Make him spill his guts...frickin cheater

8/21/2020 5:50:09 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I learned one thing. For me, don't grow in any container under 20 gallons. My bucket at times needed water twice a day and then every tomato got BER. I have a few growing now but I feel they will get BER. I doubt I will ever again grow in a 5 gallon bucket. Why should I? I admire those of you who have conquered a 5 gallon bucket. I am not one of you.

8/21/2020 9:04:30 PM

Thomas wv

I learned that i suck i will stick with soil i have one set just dont except much

8/21/2020 9:15:10 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I’ve experimented.
My five gallon bucket is sitting in my kids radio flyer.
I like that when it’s too hot(all freaking summer),I can wheel it into shade.
When it rains(all freaking summer),I can wheel it into my garage.
One of my only plants left after the hurricane came through a few weeks ago.
Feeding it enough has been a challenge.
Plant looks good,but my soil plants were better.

8/21/2020 9:26:45 PM

Centennial Colorado

I am growing in pots and in the patch. Did not grow in 5 gallon bucket, but 2 5 gallon pots. I think the key is to water twice a day consistently. As soon as I did that the good tomatoes have stayed free of ber. Also, I found adding a small amount of boron to a watering helped. My patch tomatoes are doing less well.

8/21/2020 10:24:06 PM

Grittyville, WA

I did not water enough. I would be more interested in trying a larger container so that I could forget the plant for a few days and still get some good tomatoes. If I had a lot of buckets... maybe a soaker hose on a timer would give me better results.

8/21/2020 10:34:45 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Really depends on your climate,I think.
I grew 2 in 15 gallon tubs last year.
Gets hot and humid here,and I was still watering every 2 days at one point.

8/22/2020 8:51:25 AM

50 Acres

The buckets seem to get quite warm. I wonder if that has any effect on the roots and growth. Jim

8/22/2020 9:29:39 AM

Lebanon, Oregon

This was my first time growing in 5 gallon buckets. They were the “leftovers” after planting in the garden so not the best plants. I used premium soil from a cannabis grow store. One plant, an Italian heirloom. Not one tomato. The second, a 6.66 Big Marley, grew only to 3.35. I have photos and can enter that if you want. The third is a 7.64 Domingo that is large. All were treated the same. There’s nothing magical. Maybe timing? They were older plants and the first megablooms were visible. Water every two days. If I was successful on the other two plants then maybe I would of thought I accidentally figured things out. Just one freak of a tomato seed.

8/23/2020 12:53:41 AM

Central NY

Keep her goin rebel!!!... we are gonna want details!!!!!!..

8/23/2020 3:09:09 PM

Gone With The Win

Not a single tomato. Its hot... Maybe later when it cools down a little. I probably should kept it shaded.

8/23/2020 5:04:54 PM