What Size Grow Bag Do I Need for Tomatoes?
What size grow bag do I need for tomatoes? Tomatoes do well in grow bags that are at least 5 gallons in size. This of course depends on the tomato variety as you can get away with a smaller bag if you are planting a dwarf tomato variety.
Growing tomatoes in a grow bag is an excellent option for gardeners who have limited space or want to avoid digging in the soil. However, choosing the right size grow bag is crucial for the success of your tomato plants.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the factors you need to consider to determine the ideal size grow bag for tomatoes.
Our Favorite Grow Bags
- Vivosun 1 Gallon Grow Bags
- Vivosun 2 Gallon Grow Bags
- Vivosun 3 Gallon Grow Bags
- Vivosun 5 Gallon Grow Bags
- Vivosun 10 Gallon Grow Bags
- Vivosun 20 Gallon Grow Bags
Why Would You Want to Grow Tomatoes in Grow Bags Instead of Pots?
Growing tomatoes in grow bags can be a great choice for gardening enthusiasts. Grow bags are designed with breathable fabric, which promotes root growth and oxygen circulation, both of which will help to ensure your tomato plants grow healthy and strong!
Thanks to the lightweight properties of grow bags, they require less effort to carry around than ceramic or plastic pots. Additionally, grow bags are more affordable than regular pots, making them, especially appealing to those working within a budget.
All in all, grow bags provide numerous benefits for serious gardeners who want to yield the best harvests from their tomato plants.
Is It Better to Grow Tomatoes in Bags or Pots?
I have grown tomatoes in just about every growing method and container there is and I am a believer in grow bags. I started using grow bags a few years ago to grow my tomato plants and I love it.
The grow bags work just as any other container or pot would work but better. The fabric pot is lightweight so it is easy to move, the bag allows the roots to breathe and air prune, and they don’t seem to dry out as quickly as plastic pots.
These are just a few of the reasons that I believe that it is better to grow tomatoes in grow bags rather than plastic pots.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grow Bag for Tomatoes
When choosing a grow bag for tomatoes, you need to consider the following factors:
Tomato Variety
The size of your grow bag will depend on the variety of tomatoes you want to grow. Indeterminate varieties, such as Beefsteak and Brandywine, can grow up to 6-10 feet tall, so they need larger grow bags. Determinate varieties, such as Roma and San Marzano, grow up to 3-4 feet tall and require smaller grow bags.
Related: Top 10 Cherry Tomato Varieties
Space Available
The space available will also determine the size of the grow bag you need. If you have limited space, you can use a smaller grow bag and grow determinate varieties of tomatoes. If you have ample space, you can use larger grow bags and grow indeterminate varieties.
Growing Medium
The growing medium you use will also determine the size of the grow bag you need. If you use a soil-based growing medium, you need a larger grow bag to accommodate the root system. If you use a soilless growing medium, such as coco coir or peat moss, you can use a smaller grow bag.
What Size Grow Bag Do I Need for Tomatoes?
Now that you know the factors to consider, let’s discuss the ideal size grow bag for tomatoes:
Small Grow Bags
Small grow bags, ranging from 3 to 5 gallons, are ideal for growing determinate varieties of tomatoes. These grow bags are perfect for gardeners with limited space, such as balconies or patio gardeners. Small grow bags are also suitable for gardeners who want to grow tomatoes indoors.
Advantages of Small Grow Bags
- Easy to move around
- Require less soil
- Ideal for determinate tomato varieties
- Perfect for small spaces
Medium Grow Bags
Medium grow bags, ranging from 7 to 10 gallons, are ideal for growing indeterminate varieties of tomatoes. These grow bags are perfect for gardeners with ample space and who want to grow larger tomato plants. Medium grow bags are also suitable for gardeners who want to grow multiple tomato plants in one bag.
Advantages of Medium Grow Bags
- Ideal for indeterminate tomato varieties
- Perfect for gardeners with ample space
- Can grow multiple tomato plants in one bag
- Provide sufficient room for root growth
Large Grow Bags
Large grow bags, ranging from 15 to 20 gallons, are ideal for growing multiple indeterminate varieties of tomatoes. These grow bags are perfect for gardeners who want to grow a large number of tomato plants in one bag. Large grow bags are also suitable for gardeners who want to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Advantages of Large Grow Bags
- Ideal for multiple indeterminate tomato varieties
- Perfect for greenhouse tomato growing
- Can grow a large number of tomato plants in one bag
- Provide ample room for root growth
What Size Grow Bag Is Best for Tomato Plants?
The size grow bag that is best for tomato plants ranges from 1 gallon all the way up to as big as you want to use. These grow bags come in sizes as big as a couple of hundred gallons. You do not necessarily need a grow bag that large but you could use one that big if you want to plant other things in the same bag with our tomato plant.
I find that you can grow dwarf tomato varieties such as Micro Toms, Orange Hat Tomatoes, Red Robin Tomatoes, and even Patio Choice tomatoes in 1-2 gallon grow bags and get a great harvest.
I use 3-5 gallon grow bags for determinate varieties such as Husky Cherry Red Tomatoes and others that will stay on the smaller side.
I will use 10-20 gallon grow bags for my normal indeterminate (which are the ones that grow and grow until you top them) variety tomatoes and they do great in that size.
How Deep Should a Grow Bag Be for Tomatoes?
Grow bags for tomatoes should be between 12-15 inches deep if you are growing indeterminate varieties. If you are growing a dwarf variety you can go with a more shallow grow bag as their root systems aren’t as deep.
Related: How Much Soil Does a Tomato Plant Need
FAQs
Here are some common questions about growing tomatoes in grow bags:
What is the Best Grow Bag Size for Tomatoes?
The best grow bag size for tomatoes depends on the factors mentioned above, such as tomato variety, available space, and growing medium. Determinate tomato varieties can grow in smaller grow bags of 3 to 5 gallons, while indeterminate varieties require larger grow bags of 7 to 20 gallons. The larger the grow bag, the more room there is for root growth, which leads to healthier and more productive tomato plants.
Is a 3-Gallon Grow Bag Big Enough for Tomatoes?
Yes, a 3-gallon grow bag is big enough for certain varieties of tomatoes. If you are growing a determinate variety or one of the popular dwarf varieties then a 3-gallon grow bag is plenty big enough.
Is 5 Gallon Grow Bag Enough for Tomatoes?
Yes, a 5-gallon grow bag is big enough for tomato plants. You can plant any of the determinate or patio-style tomatoes in that size grow bag and have a great harvest. You can even plant an indeterminate tomato plant in a 5-gallon grow bag as long as you keep it watered.
Of course, the larger tomato plants will do better in a larger grow bag with room to send out more roots but I have grown full-size tomato plants in 5-gallon containers all my life. I just prefer to use larger containers and bags now.
How Many Tomatoes Can I Grow in A 5 Gallon Bag?
You should only plant one tomato plant in a 5-gallon grow bag no matter the variety or type. There is really only space in the grow bag for one tomato plant. Now, with that being said I do like to plant a basil plant and a marigold plant into the same grow bag or container.
These plants do not fight the tomato plant for nutrients or water and they add a little something extra to the bag to maximize space in my garden.
You just don’t want to try to squeeze another tomato plant in there as they will compete for nutrients and water. One of the plants will take all of the resources and the other will be weak or neither will do well if you plant more than one tomato plant in a 5-gallon grow bag.
Can I Reuse My Grow Bags?
Yes, absolutely! You can reuse grow bags from year to year by cleaning them and storing them for the next year. I have used the same grow bags for 4-5 years now.
Can I Use Plastic Bags Instead of Grow Bags?
Yes, you can use plastic bags in theory instead of grow bags if you take the proper steps to prepare the bag before planting. The main thing that you need to do is to put some drainage holes in the bottom of each plastic bag.
I have seen people use the plastic soil bags that compost or other soils come in to grow different plants. I have also seen gardeners use plastic shopping bags to grow different plants.
Just take a knife and poke some holes in the part of the bag that will be on the ground so that the excess water can drain out of the root zone. This will protect your plants from getting root rot or getting stunted by too much water.
What Size Grow Bag for 2 Tomato Plants?
You will need to use a grow bag that is at least 30-40 gallons to grow 2 tomato plants. This large bag will give them enough room to produce the roots needed for a good harvest without competing too much for resources.
I would just make sure to plant them on opposite sides of the grow bag and make sure to give them plenty of water and nutrients over the course of the growing season.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right size grow bag is crucial for growing healthy and productive tomato plants. Consider factors such as tomato variety, available space, and growing medium when selecting a grow bag size. Remember that determinate tomato varieties can grow in smaller grow bags of 1 to 5 gallons, while indeterminate varieties require larger grow bags of 7 to 20 gallons. With the right size grow bag and proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest in no time.
