Using ring culture is a
doodle doddle - must be as I can manage it!
What I do is:
- start the seed off in trays or modules or paper pots
- once the seedling has its first set of true (proper tomato shaped) leaves pot on into 3" pots individually
- when the plant roots are filling the 3" pots transplant into the "ring" / final pot but only fill the ring / 12” pot about half full of compost
Your idea of using a washing-up bowl to hold the gravel is a great one. This year I have used two different methods:
In my dad's greenhouse I've planted into 12" pots and placed these into large flowerpot saucers.....
more in a minuteIn my greenhouse I've planted into 12" pots and placed these into grow-bags
To help the plants develop their root systems in the 12” pots I soak the compost in the pots with enough water to flow straight through into the saucer or grow-bag below. Future watering is mainly directly into the grow-bag or the saucer rather than at the top surface of the compost in the pot. I only water from the top periodically (maybe once a week).
As the tomato plant grows gradually add more compost around the plant stem in the 12” pot until the pot is almost full to the top - say to within a couple of inches (2 to 3 cm).
The idea is that strong water gathering roots search for moisture so grow out of the bottom of the 12" pot... while finer, secondary root hairs grow from the stem of the tomato.
In theory your plants will develop two sets of roots – the longer, stronger bottom ones for gathering water and the finer roots originating from the stem that becomes covered with compost are there to suck up nutrients.
Once the first truss of fruit has set begin giving liquid feed (according to manufacturer’s instructions) by applying this into the 12” pot. To keep the plant hydrated water at the base (flower pot saucer / grow-bag or in your washing-up bowls with gravel).
I have used “rings” – these can be bought or home-made but this year for speed and ease I’m trying ordinary 12” pots and the roots have developed well by growing out of the holes and into the water holding medium (saucers appear to work but it does take a great deal of time to keep them well topped up – Ideal for my 95 year old dad as he is a keen gardener and can manage to do this through out each day).
There we go….. hope this explanation is not too confusing…. This method works well for me.
In the past my dad has used a long gravel filled trough and rings made from lino.