Can You Grow Tomatoes In A Potting Shed – Things To Consider

Potting Sheds are a versatile addition for any gardener. Not only are they beautiful, but they are functional. For many gardeners, they serve as storage and a greenhouse. As tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow, many ask: Can you grow tomatoes in a potting shed?

Yes, you can grow tomatoes in potting sheds as long a the conditions are right: sunny, warm, and well-drained. This includes indoors, in greenhouses, potting sheds, and outdoors. It is advisable to start tomato seeds in warm potting sheds. Once the seedlings are between 3-4 inches, they can be transplanted outside. There, they can drain better, produce more, and are less susceptible to disease. 

Read on to learn more about growing tomatoes in pots and what else you can use your potting shed to grow.

Can you grow plants in potting sheds?

Yes! Many plants do very well in potting sheds. Some plants are best started in potting sheds, while others can grow well from seed to harvest in a potting shed. The best vegetables to grow are ones that have a short time between seed and harvest.

These include sprouts, beets, carrots, and salad greens. Heated potting sheds can be a great option to grow plants during the colder months. This allows the plants to receive more sunlight than the typical house plant. 

Knowing how much time in direct sunlight your potting shed allows is essential. The placement of the shed determines the hours of sunlight available. Some potting sheds can be under a canopy of trees that allows for little light. Some are in the shadows of other structures, like houses or barns. Therefore, knowing how much sunlight is available will help determine if you can meet the plant’s requirements.

Is a potting shed like a greenhouse?

A potting shed has a lot of similarities to a greenhouse. It is similar in that it is an outdoor space that allows plants to be protected from the elements. Both are excellent for starting seeds, keeping seedlings and vulnerable plants warm in the cold months. While the main purpose of a greenhouse is to provide optimal growing conditions for plants, the potting shed is dual purposed. 

A potting shed can be a great place to store that unending stack of pots, gardening supplies, soil, seeds, and so much more. They are a dedicated place for gardening projects, especially potting.

Potting sheds come in various shapes, designs, and layouts, making for an aesthetically pleasing addition to gardens. They typically have three sides dedicated to storage while one side or a bay has windows for growing. Greenhouses have all sides available to let in light for growing and do not have a built-in space for storage. 

How big of a planter does a tomato plant need?

The variety of tomatoes varies with the size of the planter needed. They can range from a 12 inch pot for smaller varieties to a 5, 8, or 10 gallon pot.

If the plant is in a pot that is too small, it restricts its growth potential and harvest: the bigger and more space you can give the tomatoes root system, the better. Additionally, bigger pots can hold more soil, helping to keep it moist. The most common answer is: a 5 gallon bucket or pot will be good for most tomatoes. 

What type of container is best for growing tomatoes?

The best type of container for tomatoes is clay pots. While more expensive than plastic, clay pots have many benefits. Some tomatoes can grow to a towering 6 feet tall, requiring a sturdy heavy base to prevent tipping over. Clay pots are porous and thick, allowing the soil and roots a more consistent temperature and helping aerate the roots. 

Another option is plastic pots, which come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Even self watering options are especially helpful during hot summers when soil can dry quickly. The disadvantage is that plastic pots can more easily tip over and do not provide the root protection of clay. When temperatures dip, plastic cannot insulate the roots as well as a clay pot.

What are the best conditions to grow tomatoes?

• Temperature – Tomatoes grow best in warmer temperatures. However, they grow best between 55 and 85 degrees F. Tomatoes cannot withstand a frost and do not like temperatures below 40. It is best not to move plants outdoors until the threat of low temperatures and frost has passed. While tomatoes like warmth, temperatures above 85 stunt the ability of the tomato to change to a bright red.
• Sunlight: Tomatoes need from 6-8 hours of sunlight. They thrive in sunny areas, produce more, and grow bigger with more sun. 
• Fertile loam that is slightly acidic: Tomato plants can grow in a variety of conditions; however, the best is a combination of sand, silt, and clay soil, called fertile loam. Having a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 allows for tomatoes to get the iron needed from the soil. They also can more easily access the nutrients they need from the soil, aiding in growth.
• Well draining moist soil – It’s essential to ensure the soil is not soaked and not dry. Tomatoes should be watered daily until they get bigger and need more water to support them. Pots must be well-draining so that excess water can disperse and not build up inside the pot. Otherwise, the roots can drown and become unusable, making the plant eventually die as well.

Final Thoughts

Potting sheds can be a good place for tomatoes when outdoor conditions are not suitable. They also can be a great place for crops that grow quickly. Greenhouses make a great option for growing tomatoes and other plants indoors as well. 

Tomatoes are durable plants that can do well indoors and outdoors with the proper temperatures, sunlight, and draining soil. They make a great addition to any garden or potting shed. Although when possible, planting outside provides better drainage, aiding in the health and growth of the plant.