Are you trying to find different ways to liven up your garden? Perhaps you found a kiddie pool while clearing your garage of old stuff. But instead of throwing it away, you may be considering using it in your garden for growing tomatoes. However, is it right to grow tomatoes in a kiddie pool?
Can you plant tomatoes in a kiddie pool?
Yes, you can plant tomatoes in a kiddie pool, especially if it is made of plastic. Regardless, you need to make a few changes to the pool to ensure your tomatoes grow healthily.
You need to drill some holes in the plastic pool so that water can pass through it easily. To get a good yield, it’s also a good idea to put the kiddie pool somewhere sunny.
You’ll probably be thinking of ways to start your small tomato garden. While it seems easy to begin planting right away, you need the basic knowledge to grow healthy tomatoes.
What are the useful tips for planting tomatoes in a kiddie pool?
Continue reading to find out!
Before we move on to these useful tips, check out the tools you need to create the kiddie pool garden.
The Tools You’ll Need To Create A Kiddie Pool Garden
- A kiddie pool
- Garden gloves
- A trowel or long spoon.
- Organic soil or any soil of your choice.
- Watering can or garden hose.
- A drill or sharp objects like nails can
- Seedlings
- Wire fencing (optional)
Now, let’s get started!
5 Tips For Planting Tomatoes In A Kiddie Pool
Select The Best Location.
Like other vegetable plants and herbs, tomatoes thrive well in sunny environments. So, when considering where to place your kiddie pool, choose a place with bright sunlight.
It is also important to avoid placing the pool in locations with tall trees in your garden. This is because some trees are shades, which may prevent the sun from shining on your vegetables.
Make Some Changes To The Pool
If you want to use a plastic pool, you need to make certain changes to it. For a start, wipe off dust and dirt from the pool with a clean, wet cloth.
Then, you need to drill some holes at the bottom of the kiddie pool for drainage purposes. Preferably, one-inch diameter holes should be spaced 12 inches apart.
Use a drill to make holes in the pool, and if you don’t have one, use a nail. Now, place a net or mesh on the bottom of the kiddie pool to cover the drainage holes. This will ensure the net or mesh holds the soil in place.
Fill Your Pool With Soil
Drainage is one major factor you need to consider when planning to fill your pool with soil. Mix your garden’s soil with peat moss or perlite, especially if it is heavy, to allow easy drainage.
It is also a good idea to add fertilizer to the soil to allow your tomatoes to grow healthily. Apply only a moderate amount of fertilizer to the soil to prevent the tomatoes from being damaged.
Follow the directions on the fertilizer’s label for the right amount to use to avoid making mistakes.
Plant The Tomatoes
Go ahead and plant your tomato seedlings and add some space between them. Note that tomatoes take up a lot of space, hence overcrowding your pool can limit the plants’ growth.
You can plant the tomato seeds, but it will require more time and care. Besides, the seeds grow slowly compared to the seedlings. Don’t plant the tomatoes too deep as it can prevent them from growing well.
Surround the kiddie pool with short-wire fencing if there are rabbits or other small animals around your environment.
Care For The Plants
Planting your tomatoes in a kiddie pool doesn’t mean you have no additional work to do. To ensure your tomatoes grow well, water them regularly. It is best to water the tomatoes in the morning so that they can be hydrated all day long.
But do not overwater the plants, as this can result in root rot and plant damage. It is advisable to use a watering can to water the tomatoes gently at the early stage. Excessive watering can wash the seeds away.
Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after planting the tomatoes. Lack of moisture can make the plants dry out quickly.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Kiddie Pools For Gardening?
Here are some of the advantages of using kiddie pools:
- Moving your plants from the pool to a garden bed is always easier.
- If you’re renting an apartment, kiddie pools can be used for gardening temporarily.
- Kiddie pools are an easy way to garden on a low budget.
- Apart from tomatoes, you can plant herbs, flowers, and vegetables inside the pool.
- Kiddie pools are cheap.
Are There Disadvantages to Using Kiddie Pools For Gardening?
One major disadvantage of using plastic kiddie pools is that you can’t use them during winter. Most plastic pools tend to crack during the winter season.
Moreover, if you live in an environment where there’s little sunlight, your vegetables may not grow well.
Learn more from a different post: Small Black Bugs On Tomato Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Plant Vegetables In A Kiddie Pool?
Yes, it is safe to plant vegetables in a kiddie pool. Plastic pools can be converted into mini gardens for growing vegetables. Not only are kiddie pools cheap, but they are also easy to use for gardening purposes.
Most vegetables and herbs with shallow roots fit perfectly into plastic pools. But it would be best if you went for the bigger ones so that your vegetables would survive.
Apart from tomatoes, you can plant spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, and green onions in your kiddie pool.
How Long Does It Take For A Tomato Plant To Produce Tomatoes?
Many varieties of tomatoes are ready for harvest between 70 and 80 days after they’ve been planted. Generally, tomatoes mature around 20 to 30 days from the time they begin to appear.
Around 40 to 50 days after planting your tomato plants, you should begin to see their fruits.
Factors such as soil type, temperature, and amount of sunlight can determine whether your tomatoes will grow faster or slower. Another major factor that determines when a tomato plant will produce fruit is its variety.
Short-season tomato varieties mature at around 50 days, while intermediate-season varieties mature at between 60 and 70 days. On the other hand, long-season tomatoes take up to 100 days or more before they mature.
Can I Grow Tomatoes Without Soil?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes. You can grow tomatoes without soil. Hydroponic tomatoes are grown in a non-soil material that is filled with nutrients.
Usually, growing tomatoes using this technique allows them to grow healthy and firm. But compared to the tomatoes planted in soil, hydroponic tomatoes require more labor, money, and time.
Also, hydroponic gardening works best inside because you have to control the temperature and humidity to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
We believe you now know how to plant your tomatoes in a kiddie pool. Remember to choose the right location, modify the pool, use the appropriate soil, and plant your tomatoes.
Keep in mind that adequate drainage, enough sunlight, water, and nutrients are important for your tomatoes to grow perfectly.
Understand that kiddie pools are inexpensive, easy-to-garden tools, but not every plant will grow well in them.
Finally, invest enough time and effort into your plants to get healthy and numerous harvests.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
