Direct Watering for Tomatoes

by Bill Dixon
(Thomasville, N.C.)

I have a special method for growing tomatoes.

First I get a one-gallon juice or tea plastic containers. A milk jug is no good because it will not last one season. The plastic needs to be stronger.

In the ridge part of the bottom of the jug, I drill four holes in a 2 inch by 4 inch square. Then with metal cutting shears, I cut out the 2-inch by 4-inch opening. I try to leave part of the radius of the four holes to reduce stress. Then I hot glue regular screen wire over the cut out.

On the handle side of the jug, I drill a hole approximately 3/16" in diameter, about one inch from the base. Then in the lid, I drill a hole approximately 1/4"- 5/16" wide for the plastic hose that will go into the ground at the base of the tomato plant.

The jug is mounted on a 1"X 1" stick about 4 feet long. In the handle side of the jug about 1"
from bottom, I drill a 1/4" hole to allow me to hang the jug on a stick.

I drive a finishing nail on a stick and then bend it up at a slight angle. This is where I hang the jug upside down and secure it with a zip lock through the milk handle. The plastic hose is inserted in the ground near base of the tomato. This will ensure the gallon of water goes to the roots.

This watering system has worked well for me for several years.