A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum The Tomato Forum Newbie needs help planting tomatoes--too late to start?

First, I am new to planting tomatoes. With recent tomatoe scare and higher prices in stores, I believe I should try my hand at tomatoes. We (wife & I) don't have land to plant; however, I am very excited about trying to plant tomatoes in a 5 gal. pail ---hanging the tomatoes, up-side-down, just off our deck. I have downloaded instructions about how to set-up the pail (holes, how to hang up-side-down, etc.). I am confident that I can handle the pail, hanging and planting; HOWEVER, here's the problem, where do I get the tomatoe plant to put into the pail? ---It's almost the 1st of July, I am thinking it's too late to purchase a plant----and it's too late to start growing a plant from seeds. ---I am I wrong? Need advice. ---I would apprciate any advice. Also is there a certain varieties of tomatoes that would do better growing upside-down in pails? --Jaes.

Welcome, Jaes!
I have never heard of growing tomatoes in upside down pails. some varieties of tomatoes will grow better than others in a pot. patio tomatoes are specially breed for that purpose. the question of whether or not it's too late to plant would depend on what part of the country your in...temps...lenght of growing season...richness of soil....
someone else will surely be along soon with more advice. we have a lot of tomato growers on the forum. your zone number or state would be helpful.

Where do you live Jayes? I just purchased my plants a week ago.

Plant nurseries, grocery stores and some hardware stores sell tomatoe plants all ready to be potted up.

I have seen smaller variety tomatoes grown in pails...such as roma and cherry tomatoes. They ripen faster and the tomatoes are not as heavy.

First, thanks to everyone that took the time to reply to my questions. --To answer the question of where I live---Kansas. ---To show you how new I am at all of this (planting tomatoes), I got so excited reading an internet article about "planting tomatoes up-side-down"---I wanted to start getting the pail and things, tomorrow (Sunday). --However, because I saw young tomatoe plants for sale weeks ago---seems like many weeks ago, --I thought the buying season for tomatoes was over. ---Well, I was wrong. I should have taken the time to phone a local nursery. ---I did. They have some. That said, I very much appreciate your help--- the suggestions of types to plant is very helpful. Also, the people in this Forum (those answering) seem very friendly and helpful--- I've placed this Forum on my internet "Favorites" list. --Again, thanks for the kind help--- and good gardening. ---Jaes.

Best of luck!

We aim to please Jaes. Hope to see you around.

Jaes what part of KS? I'm from the SW corner in Elkhart. Always nice to have another Kansan on board. It is really dry here. I have 77 tomato plants out I think. Best of luck. JD