Pot Size

A single tomato plant may thrive in a pot about 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep; however, bigger is always better when it comes to container-vegetable gardening, warns the Bonnie Plants website. A pot about 22 inches wide, as is recommended on Ohio State University Extension's website, gives the plant plenty of room to expand and build an adequate root system.

Pot Material

Tomatoes thrive in all pot materials including clay, plastic, wood and metal. The key is providing several drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, according to Ohio State University Extension's website.

Combinations

Half of a whiskey barrel pot would allow a home-container gardener to create a mini garden starring tomatoes, suggests the Bonnie Plants website. Plant a large tomato plant in the center of the pot and herbs like basil or chives around the outer edge of the barrel.