This article has been supplied by Pamela Crawford

Who says tomatoes have to be supported by ugly cages? This wall trellis is a much more attractive alternative. A side-planted window box is mounted in front of the trellis, with easy-care flowers surrounding the tomato.

Window Box and Trellis Combo: To buy (in US), click here. To see a 3-minute planting video (or to learn how to hang window boxes), click here.

Light: Full sun, meaning a minimum of 6 hours per day.

Plants: A 'Husky Cherry Red' tomato, my favorite for small containers, is planted in the center and surrounded by red wax begonias, yellow melampodium, lime creeping Jenny and purple gomphrena. The flowers are alternated in the side holes and along the top edge.

Lifespan: The tomatoes lasted two to three months. The flowers lasted six months. I cut the tomato plant off at the soil line when it died so I could enjoy the flowers for a longer time span.

Care: Tie the tomato to the trellis with soft ties that won't slice the stem as the plant grows. Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat, if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months. I trimmed it twice to keep it looking even. Water thoroughly, if the plants show signs of wilt or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix. I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid summer and every other day in cooler weather.

Troubleshooting: None. This is a really easy combination.

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See full list of Pamela Crawford's container gardening ideas.


About Pamela Crawford
Best-selling author Pamela Crawford has written 5 container gardening books about combinations that she has planted and grown at her home. Her creations are not only beautiful but easy to grow as well. easygardencolor.blogspot.com