Pot Size

• When growing tomatoes in pots, bigger containers mean more room for roots to grow, supporting the development of healthy leaves and fruit. Plant tomatoes in a container that is at least 16 inches high by 10 inches wide, or large enough to hold five gallons of potting soil. If you are growing the plant in a smaller container, select compact, bush plants and check moisture levels frequently.
  
  

Pot Type

• Almost any container works as long as it is large enough and well-drained. Line bushel baskets with perforated plastic bags and fill them with soil for an inexpensive and attractive tomato container, or grow tomatoes in large clay pots. A whiskey barrel is also a good option and will hold two or three staked tomato plants. Drill two or three holes in the bottom of the container if it doesn't have drainage holes.
  
  

Location

• Set tomato planters in a sunny location where they receive six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Anchor hanging baskets securely because they are heavy when filled with tomatoes and moistened soil. Add casters to the bottoms of large tomato planters so you can move them in excessive heat or inclement weather.
  
  

Considerations

• Garden soil becomes heavy and compacted when placed in large containers for growing tomatoes. Use a soil-less, lightweight potting medium instead that contains a combination of peat moss, vermiculite and compost. These materials absorb water and remain lightweight. Large containers remain moist longer than small ones, but check water levels daily so the plants don't dry out.