My incredibly simple method is the best way to water tomato plants – it soaks the soil & avoids root damage
IF your tomato plants look like they’ve seen better days, this hack may be for you.
A gardening expert has shared the simple trick she uses to help her tomatoes flourish.
In her viral video, Ali Franks (@clonakenny_flower_farm) revealed the common mistake people often make when watering their plants.
Working as a wedding flower supplier, the Instagrammer has perfected the art of plant care.
Rather than pour water directly over her plants, the green-thumbed pro opted for a more unique approach.
Ali dug a small hole in the soil next to her potted plant and placed a smaller empty plant pot inside.
She arranged the soil around the cup so that no gaps were in place and the rim was level with the dirt.
Using a watering can, Ali poured water into the small pot instead of onto the plant leaves.
She filled the smaller pot with water up to the rim, where it remained briefly.
The water then quickly drained from the small pot as it soaked into the surrounding soil.
Ali described the technique as the “best way to water tomato plants to help establish strong root systems.”
She explained that the method “gently soaks the soil” instead of directly watering the plants, which can damage root systems.
According to horticulture experts at the University of Georgia, you should avoid watering the leaves of your plant.
“Wet leaves invite infections that can cause your plant leaves to spot, yellow, and wilt,” they explained.
The pros pointed out that this usually occurs before the plant has a chance to produce any tomatoes.
Garden Design shared a “pro tip” for protecting your plants by simply watering.
“Watering right at the plant’s roots can help keep disease and pests away compared to watering from above the plant,” they revealed.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
Instagram users shared their thoughts on Ali’s technique in the comments section.
“My mama used half-gallon milk jugs. She would cut the bottoms off, and plant them beside the plant in the garden,” wrote one viewer.
“I have cups with holes in them buried in all my pots. Now I’ve started on the beds,” said another Instagram user.
“The water stays in the soil and won’t evaporate which is especially important where I live because it’s extremely hot and dry this time of the year.”
“Oh my God, this is genius, thank you for posting,” commented a third person.