Most people will visualize tomato growing as something done in the garden. This though is only one way of growing tomatoes. If you don't have a garden or space to grow tomato, plants then growing tomatoes in containers is a very viable and flexible alternative for tomato growing.

Using containers to grow tomatoes does have advantages; there is none of the weeding or turning over of soil as needed in a garden. Also using containers makes it easier to protect your tomatoes from being eaten by birds and insects. This of course does depend on you not placing the container on balconies or porches where they are once again susceptible to those same birds and insects.

It is important to find the best sized container to put your tomato plants in. The size may be constrained by the amount of space you have, but it is also dependant on the type of tomato being planted. A hanging basket, or equivalent sized container, would be ideal for the growing of cherry tomatoes. The same container though would be totally inappropriate for the growing of larger varieties of tomatoes, where a five gallon bucket would be more suitable. Each tomato plant needs space to grow.

The choice of tomato plant is important. It is possible to purchase tomato plants that grow to a set size, perfect for those with limited space. There are also plants on the market that keep growing and growing. These plants, varieties like 'Early Girl' and 'Big Boy', are only really suitable for those with large gardens where the plant can grow in comfort.

Once you have your tomato plant and container, then you are ready to start planting. The container needs to have holes in the bottom of it, these holes allow good drainage. Without sufficient numbers of holes, your tomato plant will drown.

The lower sets of leaves need to be cut from the stem, and position the plants in the container. Most people use stakes of some sort to tie their plant to. Stakes will allow the plants to grow upright, making the best use of any space. It is important that the container is sturdy and heavy enough to avoid the container falling over when the tomato plant is in full bloom and top heavy.

It is best to plant the tomato plants in potting soil mixed with some natural organic material. It is easy enough to find out the best soil and fertilizers to be used for growing tomatoes, either online or in your local plant nursery.

Tomato plants require sunlight and lots of it. Ideally the plants should receive 8 hours of sunlight each day, although it is possible to grow with as little as 6 hours. If serious about your cultivation it may also be beneficial to buy a 'grow light'. This light will prove invaluable on cloudy days to stimulate growth, especially in young plants.

The tomato plants need to watered daily, irregular watering will only stunt their growth, and may bring about a premature death. Consistency in caring for your plants will produce the best results.