Trench Method for tomatoes?

[Garden_girlie21]

Heard this mentioned on a thread and wondered what it was - does it have any huge benefits that will help tomatoes that are going to grow in growbags??

Thankyou,

Jennifer

[Matt.]

Just googled it and found this link: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8107.html

In summary its about burying the stem deeper to get more root. You actually lay it horizontal in a trench with the top part sticking out of the top. It doesn't sound appropriate to grow bags and in my experince isn't necessary. If you really want more root you can try ring culture(?) where you plnat you tomato in a bottomless pot within the bag. The roots spread out from the pot using the bag. I don't do this I just plant directly into the bag and I've had good results so far (3 years).

[chuffa]

I tried ring culture grown toms once before. 1ft round rings made from thick tarp or roofing felt, about 18" deep. In goes 4" of fine gravel then fill up with compost. I had a good crop using this method.

[Garden_girlie21]

Okey doke - it just sounded interesting. I planted my first 4 tomatoes into their final positions yesterday - it felt really good. I use a bottomless flowerpot method - last year I found flowerpots that had removable bases - a bit expensive, but worth it!

Thanks for the help!

Jennifer

[rustylady]

last year I found flowerpots that had removable bases - a bit expensive, but worth it

You can buy bottomless ring culture pots (plastic or fibre) at reasonable prices, or buy cheap plastic pots and hacksaw the bottoms off. I get my 10" pots from the local shops (flower display buckets) that they sell of at 10p each.

[spud57]

Where do you find the flower buckets please? I often see them mentioned but have never seen them on sale anywhere...

[Paulottie]

Not on sale ...supermarkets, garages etc have their flowers delivered in them you need to ask if it is ok to have some.