By Rhonda Cossey
Using tomatoes in your deck or patio gardening should be seriously considered, since tomatoes are one of the wonder foods of gardens everywhere. They not only supply us with more of the necessary vitamins and minerals for health than many other foods, but they carry an extra punch of providing an abundant supply of antioxidants that protect us from killer diseases such as some forms of cancer. They are one of the staples in any gardeners ground, but are growing in popularity for patios and decks because of the ease of growing and long term harvesting of the amazing fruit. And to think it has been only a century or so that these incredible plants were believed to be evil and poisonous!
Growing tomatoes on the deck starts with having a pot that can withstand the elements, the weight of the dirt and plant, and the capability of holding water - while at the same time not waterlogging the plant. There are many self-watering planters on the market today, and filling up the reservoir daily can keep your tomatoes beautiful and healthy, not to mention productive.
The type of tomato you grow can be as individual as you are. You can choose from the smallest grape cherry tomato for salads and relish trays, cherry tomatoes that are just right for picking and eating, or the plethora of larger tomatoes that are grown for flavor, meatiness, or beauty. There is always the possibility of growing two or more varieties for the methods in which they will be used.
Tomatoes need clean soil to prevent disease, so when starting you plants in pots always use sterilized soil or soil that comes directly from a bag in a garden center. Never reuse soil unless you sterilize it first or you will be fighting the same disease and insects that you did in the previous use of the soil.
The point is that you can grow tomatoes as easily as any other plant on your deck or patio. They make a great addition to your decorating, and are always a great conversation starter when you have a get together. Deck tomato success starts with you, so don't be afraid to experiment.
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