For healthy tomato plants you generally want at least 5–10 gallons per plant, and 10+ gallons is even better for large slicing types.

Good Options from 247Garden

  • 5-Gallon Aeration Fabric Pot (about 12" diameter × 10" high) – good minimum size for smaller tomatoes or early growth stage. Best for Husky Cherry Red if you water and feed carefully.
  • 7-Gallon Aeration Fabric Pot (about 13" diameter × 12" high) – a better everyday size for cherry/medium tomatoes and compact indeterminates.
  • 40-Gallon Aeration Fabric Pot (about 26.5" diameter × 17" tall) – this is much larger and gives excellent space for big indeterminate plants like Red Beefsteak. Larger size promotes stronger root systems, more water/nutrient reserves, and larger plants overall.

Sizing rule of thumb:

  • For Husky Cherry Red: a 7-gallon or larger pot is ideal, but a 5-gallon can work with more frequent watering.
  • For Red Beefsteak (large indeterminate): aim for 15–30+ gallon size if possible; the 40-gallon bag from 247Garden gives you plenty of room without needing to monitor moisture as aggressively.

Note: Smaller pots dry out faster and require more frequent watering and feeding. Bigger bags buffer those fluctuations well.


Soil and Potting Tips

  • Use a light, nutrient-rich potting mix with good drainage (potting soil + compost + perlite/coco coir).
  • Fill the pot nearly to the top. Tomatoes like to be buried deep to form extra roots along the stem.
  • Water thoroughly until it drains through the pot. Check soil moisture frequently, especially in fabric bags in warm weather. Larger bags retain moisture better.

Trellis and Support Tips (Including Trellis Netting)

Tomatoes benefit hugely from vertical support:

Types of support structures

  • Trellis netting hung from a frame or overhead support:
    • Position a sturdy frame next to or around the pot.
    • Hang netting vertically behind the plant.
    • Gently guide stems through the netting as they grow to train them up.
  • T-posts or stakes inside the pot or beside it: tie plant loosely and move ties as it grows.
  • Florida weave method: stretch twine between stakes every foot of height and weave stems through.

Training practices

  • Start training early — once seedlings are 6–12" tall.
  • Guide main stems up through the trellis as they grow.
  • Optionally remove lower leaves and suckers (small side shoots) to focus plant energy and improve airflow.
  • Tie loosely so stems can flex in wind without damage.

Watering & Feeding

  • Fabric pots drain fast but also dry faster, so check daily in warm weather.
  • Water deeply rather than shallow frequent sprinkles; soil should stay evenly moist but not soggy.
  • Feed with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to a tomato-specific formula during flowering and fruiting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too small pots: restrict roots, increase watering stress, reduce yield. A 5-gallon bag can work in a pinch, but 7–10+ gallons is much better for cherry tomatoes and 15–40+ gallons for big slicer types.
  • Under-watering: fabric pots expose soil to air; not watering enough leads to stress.
  • Poor support: tall indeterminate tomatoes need strong support or they flop.

Summary

  • Choose 247Garden fabric pots sized appropriately: 7 gallons is a solid all-round choice for cherry types; a 40-gallon bag gives excellent room for big beefsteaks.
  • Use trellis netting with a frame or stakes to train vines upward.
  • Use quality soil and keep moisture consistent.