Question
Hi Kindred. Wondering if you can guide me through some questions I have about growing a determinate tomato in a container. We can't plant it... we live in an apartment. I am wondering about the size of container we should use. I also question whether we should put some mulch over the soil. I've read determinate tomato plants don't need any support. And I would also like to find out if there is any other special care I should give this plant. (i.e.: fertilizer, protection from bugs or disease) My thumb is far from green and my son would like to enjoy some tomatoes he planted himself. Any advice you can offer would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Kim,
I hope I can help.  Your son should have a wonderful harvest to enjoy from his effort.  Mulch helps keep the moisture in the soil, so I think it's good.  I even use mulch on my outdoor tomatoes when I first plant them.  As for bugs and potential disease, if it's indoors and not alot of other plants, the likelihood of parasites is minimal.  As far as fertilizer, I use totally natural and organic, that would be up to you, but I would caution against regular prepared plant food, as it tends to feed the foliage, thus prohibiting the production of fruit.
Hope this helps.  My best wishes to your young farmer.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us