How to Grow Tomatoes in Galvanized Tubs

Scrub the galvanized tub throughly to remove any debris from previous use. Sterilize it with a light application of bleach and let it dry completely.

Drill at least four well-spaced holes in the bottom of the tub to allow excess water to drain.

Fill the tub to within 1 inch from the top with potting soil. Shake the tub from side to side to encourage the soil to settle and remove any air pockets.

Place the container in an area with direct sunlight. While this is necessary for the tomatoes to grow, it also can overheat the metal tub and dry out the soil. Check the water twice daily, in the morning and evening, to see if the soil is dry down to the 4-inch level. If it is, water the plant. You also can use a soil moisture sensor.

Avoid setting the container directly on concrete, which retains heat, A tub in contact with concrete might become too hot for the plant. Keep the temperature down by giving the container fresh, circulating air on all sides and the bottom. Setting the container on two small blocks of wood will avoid the heat from the concrete and allow for air circulation under the tub.

Select tomato plants from varieties that do well in containers. North Carolina State University recommend Tiny Tim, Small Fry, Sweet 100 Patio, Burpee's Pixie, Toy Boy, Early Girl and Better Boy VFN. Roma tomatoes also grow successfully in containers. A 22-inch tub has room for two plants.

Plant the tomatoes in accordance with the normal season if the tub is kept outdoors. If you are starting the tomatoes from seeds, plant a dozen or more seeds to ensure that some will sprout. After they are 2 inches high remove all but the two strongest plants.

Keep a close watch on the soil moisture. Containers lose water much faster than ground soil and the plant can suffer quickly. Adding a layer of stone over the soil reduces moisture loss and keeps digging animals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, away.

Add additional fertilizer after eight to 10 weeks depending upon the potting soil. A boost of liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion might be needed. Always follow the directions for the amount of soil that you have in the tub. It is very easy to overfertilize – and damage – a container plant.