How to Grow a Tomato Plant System

Containers

• 1

  Cut a piece of mesh cloth to fit the bottom of a 12-inch diameter container with bottom drainage holes.

• 2

  Mix a slow-release fertilizer for tomatoes into a well-draining potting soil. Set the mesh fabric into the container and add about 5 inches of a well-draining potting soil on top.

• 3

  Remove the tomato seedling from the growing container and loosen the roots gently with your fingers. Set the seedling into the container so the bottom set of leaves sits about 1 inch below the edge of the pot.

• 4

  Pack soil around the seedling and stem to just below the bottom set of leaves. Planting the seedling deep in the soil promotes strong root growth.

• 5

  Apply water until it drains out the bottom of the pot. Monitor the soil moisture and add water to keep it evenly moist throughout the growing season, about three or four times a week.

Hydroponics

• 6

  Fill the hydroponics system with water and start the pump to make sure the water flows properly. Add nutrients to the water, following the package instructions for the water volume in the system.

• 7

  Rinse the soil from the root ball of 4- to 6-inch tall tomato seedlings with room temperature water. Plant the tomatoes into hydroponic pots that fit into your system and are filled with soilless medium. Netted pots are typically 3- to 4-inches in diameter.

• 8

  Set the pots in the system so the bottom-half is submerged in water. Add more water, if needed.

• 9

  Assemble grow lights over the system if used indoors. Set the lights 8 inches above the top of the tomatoes. Raise the light unit as the plants get taller.

• 10

  Monitor the water level in the system and add more as the plants use it or lose water from evaporation. Add nutrients to the water each time you add more.