Growing Tomatoes in Pots in Arizona: Pot Size, Soil, Water, and Sun

10"x12" pots are marginal for tomatoes; 5+ gallons (14"+ diameter) is better. One plant per pot.

Key Practices

• Organic potting mix or 1:1:1 topsoil/compost/sand.
• Water deeply only when needed; force roots down.
• Monthly high-phosphorus fertilizer.
• Full sun (8–10 hours); AZ intensity may require 30% shade cloth in June–July.
• Mulch heavily with straw.

Larger pots buffer heat and drought, reducing blossom-end rot and cracking.