Has anyone had success growing a few tomato plants in five gallon buckets? If so, is there anything that would help improve my luck/yield. TIA

Be ready to water twice a day once the Alabama summer heat hits.

It can be done. I’d also recommend using a quality soil mix.

I have, and I used MsHunter’s method. Put about 3-5 inches of pea gravel in the bottom, then drill a few small holes above the gravel for excess water to drain. Put in the soil of your choice and plant.

Sounds like a plan. The last time I attempted bucket tomatoes they didn’t produce very well. I think the pea gravel would have been beneficial. These will be in addition to my garden but want to try something different. Appreciate the advice.

You can also put some wood chips or mulch on top of the soil to help slow evaporation.

Good idea. I’ll try to remember to post some pics of the end result.

It can be done, but they'll dry out fast. A Rubbermaid of 15 gallons with some holes punched in it would be easier to manage and will produce more maters. It's pretty amazing how far the roots on a tomato plant will reach.

I buried a 5 gallon bucket and planted in it did pretty good. I like the gravel idea I’ll try it.

Those empty mineral tubs the cattle guys have work good. You can get much more soil in them.

I’ve got 6 of those getting ready for this purpose now.

Me and the wife did this a couple years ago. Grew squash in 2, Cherokee purple tomatoes in 2 and sweet 100's in 1. We ate tomatoes 3 times a day, gave a bunch away and still had more than we could handle. The tomatoes produced until frost too. Keep them watered, may need a little shade in the bad heat, and be sure to brace them good. We used the pea gravel method mentioned above also.

Forgot to say, morning sun is important, keep them out of afternoon sun if possible.

I appreciate the feedback. I’m going with Atkinson, Roma VF and Cherokee Purple. I’ve never grown any of those. My usual go to is Better boy and Beefsteak’s. I’ll keep everyone posted on how they do. I have 12 buckets to fill up so I’m going for broke. The garden maters will make tons but I’m just experimenting with these.

I almost exclusively grow Cherokee purples. The best tasting tomato I’ve ever found.

This will be my first time trying them. Really looking forward to it.

I’ve never had good luck growing tomatoes in buckets