Gardening Tip: Start Tomatoes in Pots Before Planting

Texas A&M expert advises beginners to grow tomatoes in containers first for better control and success.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A blurred, atmospheric photograph of a lush green tomato plant in a terracotta pot, with the background softened into warm, colorful light, conceptually representing the benefits of starting tomatoes in containers for beginner gardeners.Potted tomato plants offer new gardeners an easier path to growing success before expanding to larger garden beds.Weslaco Today

Gardening expert Juan Anciso from Texas A&M University recommends that first-time tomato growers start by planting their tomatoes in pots or containers before transitioning to raised beds or in-ground planting. Pots provide better control over factors like soil, water, sunlight, and pests, making it easier for beginners to learn how to grow tomatoes successfully before expanding to larger garden spaces.

Why it matters

Many new gardeners struggle with common tomato-growing issues like watering, pruning, and choosing the right tomato variety. Starting in pots allows beginners to gain experience and avoid costly mistakes before investing more time and money into in-ground gardens.

The details

Anciso advises that pots make it easier for first-time tomato growers to control factors like soil quality, water, sunlight, and potential pests. Preparing raised beds or in-ground planting areas can also be time-consuming for beginners. Once gardeners feel comfortable growing tomatoes in pots, they can then transition to larger garden spaces. However, Anciso notes that potted tomatoes still require daily watering, especially in hot weather, and using the right pot size is crucial to provide enough nutrients.

  • Anciso provided this gardening advice in an exclusive interview with Chowhound in April 2026.

The players

Juan Anciso

A vegetable specialist and professor at Texas A&M University's department of horticulture, as well as a researcher at the university's AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, Texas.

Texas A&M University

A public research university located in College Station, Texas, with an extensive horticulture and agriculture program.

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What they’re saying

“You can grow tomatoes in the ground or raised beds or in pots and be successful using any method. First time gardeners can begin in pots, then move up to raised beds and in the soil/ground.”

— Juan Anciso, Vegetable Specialist and Professor

“It helps them avoid gardening failures that can be costly when doing a soil garden. [It's] much easier to achieve success in a pot first at least in learning to grow and the growth patterns of the vegetables.”

— Juan Anciso, Vegetable Specialist and Professor

What’s next

Once beginner gardeners feel comfortable growing tomatoes in pots, they can then transition to planting in raised beds or directly in the ground.

The takeaway

Starting tomato plants in pots is an effective way for new gardeners to learn how to successfully grow tomatoes before investing in larger in-ground gardens. Pots provide better control over key factors like soil, water, and pests, helping beginners avoid common and costly mistakes.