Plant Care

Container Size Matters: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pot for Tomatoes

Last updated: November 9, 2025

Discover the exact container sizes needed for different tomato varieties, from 5-gallon minimums to optimal 20-gallon setups for maximum yields.

LLinda Kowalski

November 9, 2025

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Healthy tomato plant in large fabric container showing proper sizing for container tomato growing — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

TL;DR

Container size makes or breaks tomato success. Determinate varieties need minimum 5 gallons but thrive in 7-10 gallons. Indeterminate varieties require 10+ gallons for proper root development, with 15-20 gallons producing maximum yields. Fabric containers outperform plastic by preventing root circling and regulating temperature. Most failures come from undersized containers—invest in larger pots for dramatically better harvests.

Product Recommendations

VIVOSUN 5-Pack 15 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags with Handles

https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-5-Pack-Thickened-Nonwoven-Handles/dp/B071KBQZPX

These heavy-duty fabric containers feature 300G thickened nonwoven material that promotes healthy root development through air pruning. Reinforced handles support the full weight of soil and mature plants, making repositioning possible throughout the growing season. The breathable fabric regulates soil temperature naturally, keeping roots 8-12°F cooler than plastic alternatives during summer heat. Drainage is excellent, preventing overwatering issues common with solid containers. Each bag provides 15 gallons of root space, optimal for indeterminate tomato varieties. The fabric construction folds flat for compact winter storage and typically lasts 3-5 growing seasons with proper care.

Price: $19.99-$24.99

EarthBox Original Organic Ready-to-Grow Garden Kit

https://earthbox.com/products/original-earthbox-organic-ready-to-grow-garden-kit

This innovative self-watering container features a 3-gallon water reservoir that provides consistent moisture from below, eliminating the daily watering guesswork that kills most container tomatoes. The sub-irrigation system prevents both overwatering and underwatering while promoting deeper root growth. The kit includes organic potting mix, fertilizer strip, and mulch cover for complete setup. Dimensions of 29×13.5×11 inches provide approximately 13 gallons of growing space, perfect for determinate varieties or compact indeterminates. The water gauge shows reservoir levels, and the system can support plants for 1-2 weeks between refills. Made from food-grade recycled plastic, built to last multiple seasons with proper care.

Price: $59.95-$89.95

Bloem Saturn 20-Inch Round Planter with Saucer

https://www.amazon.com/Bloem-Saturn-Planter-Saucer-Charcoal/dp/B07H2K7Z9F

This durable plastic planter offers 16+ gallon capacity in an attractive design suitable for patios and decks. The integrated drainage system prevents water logging while the included saucer protects surfaces underneath. Made from high-grade resin that resists fading and cracking through multiple seasons. The 20-inch diameter and 16-inch depth provide ideal proportions for tomato root development. Lightweight when empty but stable when filled, weighing approximately 120 pounds with soil and water. Available in multiple colors to complement outdoor decor. The smooth interior walls won't snag roots, though they don't provide air pruning benefits of fabric containers.

Price: $34.99-$49.99

Amagabeli 18-Inch Heavy Duty Plant Caddy with Wheels

https://www.amazon.com/Amagabeli-18-Inch-Plant-Caddy-Wheels/dp/B07L5X7Q2Z

This robust plant dolly supports up to 440 pounds, easily handling 15-gallon containers with full soil load. Five dual-wheel casters provide smooth rolling across decks, patios, and indoor floors. The 18-inch square platform fits most round containers up to 20 inches diameter perfectly. Steel construction with powder coating resists rust and weather damage through multiple seasons. Individual wheel brakes lock the caddy in position once placed. Low profile design maintains container stability while providing easy mobility for seasonal repositioning, weather protection, or cleaning underneath. Assembly requires minimal tools and takes approximately 15 minutes. Essential for apartment and balcony gardeners who need container flexibility.

Price: $24.99-$34.99

Smart Pot 20 Gallon Soft-Sided Container

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Pots-20-Gallon-Soft-Sided/dp/B004Q2LD7M

The original fabric container designed specifically for superior plant growth through air root pruning technology. This 20-gallon capacity provides optimal space for large indeterminate tomato varieties to reach maximum production potential. The proprietary fabric blend allows air penetration while maintaining soil moisture, creating the ideal root environment. BPA-free material is lead-free and safe for edible plants. Measures 24 inches diameter by 15.5 inches tall, providing excellent root depth and width. No handles, but the soft sides allow easy gripping for repositioning when needed. Made in USA with materials tested for food safety. Typically lasts 3-5 seasons with proper care and UV protection during off-season storage.

Price: $16.99-$22.99

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a container be for tomatoes?

Tomato containers need minimum 14 inches (35 cm) depth, with 18+ inches (45+ cm) being ideal. Shallow containers under 12 inches restrict root development and create plants that wilt quickly. Deep containers allow both feeder roots and anchor roots to develop properly, supporting heavy fruit production throughout the season.

Can you grow tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets?

Yes, but only determinate (bush) varieties will thrive in 5-gallon containers. Expect 2-4 pounds total harvest compared to 6-8 pounds from the same variety in 10-gallon containers. Indeterminate varieties survive in 5-gallon buckets but produce poorly and require daily watering. For best results, choose patio varieties specifically bred for small containers.

Do tomatoes grow better in pots or in the ground?

Ground-grown tomatoes typically outperform container tomatoes because roots have unlimited space to expand. However, quality containers 15+ gallons can produce yields approaching ground-grown plants when properly managed. Container advantages include better pest control, soil quality control, and mobility for weather protection. Many urban gardeners achieve excellent results with large containers and intensive care.

How many tomato plants can you put in a container?

One plant per container produces the best results. Multiple plants in the same container compete for nutrients and water, reducing overall yield. A single indeterminate tomato in a 20-gallon container will outproduce two plants sharing the same space. Exception: micro varieties like 'Red Robin' can be planted 2-3 per large container since their root systems stay very compact.

What happens if a tomato container is too small?

Small containers create stressed plants with poor fruit production. Symptoms include daily wilting, small fruit size, early disease susceptibility, and shortened production season. Root-bound plants can't access enough nutrients or water to support heavy fruiting. Most failures trace back to undersized containers—investing in larger containers prevents most common tomato growing problems.

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Written By

Linda Kowalski

Linda's been growing tomatoes in containers on her suburban Pittsburgh balcony—ever since her kids grew up and she finally had time for hobbies again. She's a medical billing specialist by day and a tomato enthusiast by night and weekend. Linda started documenting her container growing experiments on a simple blog and discovered other renters and condo dwellers were desperate for practical advice. She tests different varieties every season, tracking yields, disease resistance, and flavor in a detailed spreadsheet. Linda's approach is practical and budget-conscious—she saves seeds, reuses containers, and makes her own fertilizer from kitchen scraps. Her specialty is maximizing production in small spaces, and she's perfected the art of growing full-size tomatoes in 5-gallon buckets. She's a Pennsylvania Master Gardener and teaches container growing workshops at her local library.