Patio tomatoes can actually refer to 2 different things. One, patio tomatoes are a unique variety of tomatoes. The other, of course, is a great place to grow tomatoes for almost anyone. A patio or balcony can be available to almost anyone.

Patio tomatoes – the variety – This is a hybrid variety that has a very compact growth pattern. It only grows to be a couple of feet in height, and is an excellent choice for smaller container gardening. Its foliage is darker than many other tomatoes, and the fruit is on the small side as well, although not as small as cherry tomatoes. It will germinate and bear fruit in relatively warm temperatures, and is a relatively hardy breed.

Alternatively, if you want to grow tomatoes on a patio, there are a number of different types of container that will do well.

Hanging tomato planters are a favorite, and you constantly see ads for the upside down tomato planters. These will do a good job, but there are couple of things to watch for. The soil bag is only a few gallons, so ignore the ads that have a huge tomato plant growing out of them. In addition, they have to be hung somewhere, and a fully loaded bag that's recently watered is very heavy. Try a variety that's small like the Patio tomato or one of the Tumbling Toms for your first try with one of these.

Another approach is to use a free standing planter of some sort. A self watering planter like the Earthbox is a great choice, as is has a larger soil container, and addresses the other major problem with container plants, the need to be constantly watering the plants. These have a built in water reservoir that cuts down on the number of times you need to add water to these plants.

Make sure your tomatoes get 6-8 hours of sunlight a day, and you'll be good to go. Patio tomatoes are a good first garden for almost anyone.