The Best Tomato Variety To Grow In A Jar

Let's face it: indoor gardening can be difficult, even for the experienced gardener. On top of juggling sunlight and not accidentally overwatering your plants (no judgment here; it's a common indoor gardening mistake), you'll also need to find the space for all those potted plants. Fortunately, if you're looking for something as space-savvy as it is easy to grow, there's a plant for that — and all it requires is an old jar.

While other tomato varieties may test your green thumb, cherry tomatoes are considered to be one of the easiest types of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) to grow, making them the perfect plant for beginners. Plus, several cherry tomato varieties are bred specifically for thriving in container gardens. Don't underestimate their small size, however. Even some of the small varieties of cherry tomatoes, like Micro Tom or Heartbreak, that grow to be a foot tall or less still produce dozens of tomatoes through the summer.

For the best results, you'll need to start by choosing the right cherry tomato variety for your jar. Micro dwarf varieties may be able to grow in jars as small as 0.5 gallons, which is the size you'll often find in store-bought jar kits. However, not all cherry tomato varieties can handle being squeezed into a small jar. Take time to research both the best jar and the best cherry tomato variety for your needs — along with its specific growth requirements.

Although some varieties of cherry tomatoes stay small and compact without sacrificing fruit production – which is why they can be grown in jars — you may notice that they'll fail to grow if they don't have the right care. This means paying attention to their sunlight as well as their soil and moisture. The latter two factors are especially important when you're working with a smaller jar that may not offer the same drainage and nutrients as a bigger gardening setup.

Of course, the exact care needed for a thriving indoor tomato garden in a jar can depend on the variety you pick. Different plant and fruit sizes can lead to slightly different care needs. However, one thing is true for all cherry tomatoes: they grow best when in full sun. This means that even if the only light comes through a window, you'll need to ensure your cherry tomato gets six to eight hours of direct, not just indirect, sunlight each day. Depending on where you live, this can be a difficult feat. As a result, to help your cherry tomato in a jar thrive, you may need to supplement sunlight with a grow light.

With any potted plant — especially one in a jar with limited drainage — it's essential to monitor watering closely. For healthy roots, tomatoes require deep waterings that fully saturate the soil. However, you don't want to leave the soil waterlogged or soggy, which could lead to mold growth. Give them the right care and light, and your tiny jar garden will deliver big, delicious results.