[hubballi]

Hands up anyone who is going to try the method of small terracotta pots with not quite full compost to grow tomatoes as Monty Don demonstrated on GW last night ? I certainly am giving it a go. I remember that guy last year talking to Monty about his unconventional methods. He said he fed them every day with comfry feed. I have access to comfrey, nettles and borage so can't wait to see what happens 

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has done similar with success.

[mumofstig]

be prepared for the terrible smell in such a small garden 

[hubballi]

Don't worry, I am used to it (the comfrey of course) 

[snowdrops]

i thought I might try some of mine that way as an experiment.

[Beetroot queen]

Maybe I'll do that with mine in the communal poly, won't I be popular 

[Stree]

I am trying a gardeners delight that way, just going to use tomorite.

[Auntiemogs]

Hands down for me I'm afraid.  Terracotta pots look lovely but dry out so quickly...

[Aunt Sally]

I certainly am giving it a go. I remember that guy last year talking to Monty about his unconventional methods. He said he fed them every day with comfry feed. I have access to comfrey, nettles and borage so can't wait to see what happens 

Don't forget to post some pictures for us to see, hubballi.

[thatshallot]

Also watched GW last night and previously saw the program with the guy growing tomatoes in terracotta pots. Does anyone know what's special about growing them in terracotta rather than plastic?

[AnnieB]

Am I to understand that the idea of growing tomato's in pots is now considered cutting edge ? 
And feeding them something like comfry tea is also revolutionary.

Before long someone will have the idea of growing them in a soilless water based system and calling it something like Hydroponics. 

[GrannieAnnie]

I think the way our weather is going Annie, we'll all be growing hydroponically soon!   

I too would like to know what is supposed to be the advantage of growing tomatoes in small terracotta pots?

[solway cropper]

I didn't see the programme but I feel the same as most people. Growing tomatoes in pots and giving them a home-made liquid feed is hardly ground breaking stuff. But then Monty is a 'celebrity' and his fans will be hanging on his every word.

[hubballi]

I didn't see the programme but I feel the same as most people. Growing tomatoes in pots and giving them a home-made liquid feed is hardly ground breaking stuff. But then Monty is a 'celebrity' and his fans will be hanging on his every word.

I think you are missing the point. It's not the comfry that Monty is referring to that is groundbreaking, it's the fact that they grow in such little soil and fed everyday.

[shokkyy]

But where's the advantage in that? Sounds very labour intensive, so unless it provides a better crop or something I don't really understand why anyone would want to do it that way.

[snowdrops]

My Dad fed his tomatoes every day,he grew in bottomless pots on trays of gravel,he always had loads of toms.