The Best Tomato Planters for Guaranteed Gardening Success This Season

A few years ago, I spent a summer working on an organic vegetable farm. There were long days and early wakeups, but what made up for all that to me was harvesting tomatoes off the vine at the peak of the season and eating them standing in the fields while they were still warm from the sun. I even got into the habit of carrying a mini salt shaker in my pocket so I'd always be ready to maximize my tomato-eating experience. Fast forward a few months, and I was back to living in my condo with only a small patio as a growing space — but I still wanted the experience of fresh tomatoes, picked moments before eating.

Growing tomatoes in containers is the perfect way to grow a few plants and enjoy homegrown tomatoes all summer long, even if you're short on space. We've rounded up a bevy of planters that will make it easy to have a bountiful crop this year, green thumb or not. Just remember that regardless of whether you're growing them in the ground or in planters tomatoes need a lot of sun and water to thrive, so put these planters in direct sunlight and water them often. Then, just sit back with a glass of lemonade and be amazed at how easy gardening can be.

Hydrofarm GCTB2 Heavy Duty Tomato Barrel with 4' Tower

Tomatoes need support as they grow, and this planter builds in both staking and trellising so you don't have to mess around with external cages. The sturdy frame will even hold up weighty tomato varieties as they develop, so your beefsteak tomatoes will be ready for your favorite Southern tomato sandwich.

Buy It: $33.95; amazon.com

Topsy Turvy TT501116 Upside Down Tomato Planter

This innovative planter takes the need for staking tomato plants out of the equation by flipping the plant on its head, causing the vines to grow down naturally and using gravity to distribute water and nutrients. The upside down tomato planter can hang on your deck or balcony and features a self-watering system for complete no-fail tomato growing.

Buy It: $29.35; walmart.com

Back to the Roots Tomato Planter

This stylish mason jar planter not only makes a great gift, but it also uses ancient watering practices and biochar technology to make it easy to grow cherry tomatoes right on your windowsill. It's the perfect solution for anyone who doesn't have a lot of space or is just getting started with growing vegetables at home. Having a supply of little plump, juicy orbes within reach might inspire your to try out a variety of cherry tomato recipes.

Buy It: $29.99; bloomingdales.com

Rolling Self-Watering Tomato Planter with Metal Trellis

One of the trickiest parts of growing tomatoes is making sure they get enough water. This planter solves that problem with its self-watering system, including built-in overflow management to prevent over-watered plants. The metal trellis takes care of vine support, and the tub rolls so you can move it wherever your plants can get the most sunlight throughout the day.

Buy It: $68.94, walmart.com

Home-X Tomato Plant Tower

If you want to maximize your space, check out this expandable, four-tier plant tower that you can adjust as your plants grow. You can choose to use traditional watering methods or take advantage of the self-watering base that provides your plants with water whenever they need it, which can help you avoid making one of the most common mistakes when growing tomatoes.

Buy It: $25.99, amazon.com

Bosmere Tomato Planter Bag

These flexible fabric bags come in a pack of three, making them an affordable solution for people who want to grow a bunch of tomato plants on their decks or patios. Drainage holes at the bottom mean no waterlogged roots, and handles make it easy to move these planters around.

Buy It: $14.99; walmart.com

Gardener's Revolution Honeycomb Tomato Planter

This self-watering planter makes use of technology to create all the conditions necessary to grow a super productive tomato plant. It features a honeycomb-style ventilation at the base and lightweight bag liner, allowing for increased airflow and a vigorous root system for maximum water and nutrients. This is all to say, your tomato plants will bear very tasty fruit to use in recipes all summer long.

Buy It: $59.95, amazon.com