Benefits of Using Tomato Ring
Most gardeners and independent farmers depend on different protective support methods that are easy-to-install. One such method is the use of tomato ring. This is a good alternative if you do not like using the bulky (an unattractive) tomato cages or the hard-to-keep-tied tomato stakes.
Tomato Ring is Pleasing to the Eyes
If there is one thing that really makes tomato rings preferable is that they provide additional aesthetic feature for the garden. This means that you can easily make your vegetable garden just as pretty as your flower garden.
Compared to tomato cages, tomato stakes are undoubtedly more appealing to the eyes. The problem with stakes is that you have to keep them tied, so most of your gardening time would be spent retying the stakes to keep them supported as they support your tomatoes.
That can be really time-consuming and so, here comes the better alternative – tomato ring. Tomato rings are like tomato cages on stakes, but without the bulk and the need for constant retying tasks.
Tomato Rings are Easy-To-Use
Tomato rings are beautifully simple. Essentially, commercial tomato rings have three parts; oval ring, clamp and screw. The oval ring is what will surround the plant. The clamp will accommodate the support stakes. And the screws secure the ring to the support stake. This type of tomato ring is also easy to store during the off seasons.
Tomato Rings Can Last a Long Time
If you are going to build your tomato rings using the most durable materials, there is a big chance that you will enjoy their service for a long time. Spring galvanized steel is a good choice for the oval ring because it is rust resistant and it keeps its shape. Commercially available tomato rings come with clamps and screw, both are usually made from UV-resistant plastic materials and fashioned to allow the rings to withstand the harsh elements.
For a DIY tomato ring, you can use wire fencing material (usually used for chicken netting) as the main ring material. The ideal ring size is three feet, but the ring measurement should depend on the type of tomato you are planting. Normal tomatoes may be alright with the 3-foot rings, while cherry tomatoes may be better with smaller rings of 1-1/2 feet to 3 feet. This DIY option can also act as an effective insect barrier.
Some gardeners also use scrap woods for their tomato plants. This is commonly called as the wooden ladder or garden obelisk and it is usually built to be foldable for easy storage during winter months. Other common tomato ring systems include; bamboo cage/ring, tomato tower, bamboo plus twine spiral, chicken netting ring, concrete mesh ring, cattle panel ring, and the PVC pipe rings.
Tomato Rings Keep Plants Uptight in Small Spaces
Since tomato rings encourage the plants to grow horizontally, you will not need too much ground space. As you let your tomatoes grow up, you are also providing them with protection against ground moisture, pest and rot. Growing up also means you will not have to worry about limited garden space anymore.
With tomato rings you will also spend less of your time in removing suckers, training the tomatoes and pruning their branches. You can actually just leave your plants alone as they grow up beautifully and naturally while they are supporting themselves as their branches begin resting on the netting mesh.
Tomato Rings are not Just for Tomatoes
Tomato rings can support other plants, as well. These include eggplants, zucchini, squash and pepper. For a little tip, it is a good idea to plant eggplants and pepper back-to-back. This is a space-saving and economical method because you will be able to use one stake for both plants.
You can also use tomato rings for growing sunflowers and other flower plants. A tomato ring and one stake will be able to provide support for your sunflower because the structure will keep the big pretty head joyfully upright and safe from falling over and blooming face-down to the ground. Other flower plants that can benefit from the support of tomato rings are gladiolas and dahlias.
Harvest the Sweetest Cherry Tomatoes
Though tomato rings are used for most types of tomatoes, they are said to be great for cherry tomatoes. A tomato ring is considered by many gardeners as the growing technique that produces the sweetest cherry tomatoes you will ever harvest.
To start, get your rings ready. If you are making your own, build them depending on available space. Make sure that the spot you have chosen is one where your tomatoes will thrive. Dig the center area of your chosen spot and make a hole of about three inches deep. Make sure that the hole is slightly smaller in measurement than your ring because you will want nutrients and water coming from the compost to be retained. Install the rings by placing them outside the center of the holes and then pressing them into the soil.
The next step is composting. It is recommended to use plant compost like food scraps, grass and leaves. Layering with brown and green is the best way of maximizing your compost. For the brown layers, newspapers (with no harmful print dyes) are ideal. Fill the holes with browns and greens until you have reached the top area. Once the compost has settled and the rings are securely set in the ground, you can start planting your tomatoes.
Special Tips for Growing Tomatoes
Here are some additional tips on growing healthy tomatoes that produce sweet and plump fruits:
- Do not crowd your seedlings if you are starting from seeds. A crowded condition can inhibit your tomatoes’ growth.
- Make sure there is direct sunlight shining over your tomatoes.
- Bury your tomatoes deep so that they can develop more roots, which are essential for making them stronger.
- Removing your tomato plants’ bottom leaves once they have reached three feet of height. These are the oldest leaves and they are prone to fungus growth.
- Water regularly and make sure you are directing the water into the soil and not just over the leaves.