Growing Tomatoes Indoors

Growing tomatoes indoors is something new I am trying out.  Starting seeds indoors, sure, but actually growing the plants inside and harvesting the tomatoes?  With my new location, it’s something I’m dying to try!

Tomatoes for Growing Indoors

I won’t be able to grow a full-sized tomato plant indoors, but I should be able to grow a mini tomato plant; something that is no more than about 12 inches tall.  There are some where it’s claimed they can grow in a 4 inch container — but I want more tomatoes than something that small could give me.  Some good tomato varieties that are in the 10 to 12 inch size range are Red Robin and Tiny Tim.  Since I already have seeds for Red Robin, I think that’s what I’ll plant.

What’s Needed for Growing Tomatoes Indoors

Tomatoes need a place to live (a pot), light, water, soil and food (fertilizer).

• Light:  Obviously, good light is necessary.  While I do have a south-facing window, I don’t think it will be enough to support a good harvest.  I’ll invest in some grow lights to supplement the light I do get.
• Pot/Container:  My tomato plant needs a place to live, but I don’t have a ton of space.  I’m going to go with a 1-gallon self-watering container (8 inch diameter).
• Water:  Easy enough, especially with a self-watering container.
• Soil:  I’ll need something that drains well, but also helps to hold moisture.  In other words, I don’t want the water to just go through the pot before the roots can get the moisture — nor do I want the plants to have so much moisture that they have wet feet!  A mix of potting soil, perlite and some sphagnum moss should give me what I need.
• Fertilizer:  I think I can use the same fertilizer I use on my african violet and streptocarpus plants, which is a mixture of Miracle Gro for Orchids and Miracle Gro for Roses.  I may be able to add some Sea Magic fertilizer, but because the plant will be indoors in closed room, fish emulsion is not an option.  😉  The fertilizer will be 1/2 strength, every other time I water.

What’s Missing?

Well, the tomato seedlings are missing!  I’ve been itching to plant some tomato seeds, so this will be my chance to try out my new seed starting trays and heated seed germination mat.

Just for fun, I think I will also try to grow a Red Robin plant outside as well, and see what the difference is.  Well, I’m sure it will grow better since it will be in a 3-gallon container, but the question is how much better?