At one time growing tomatoes under glass was in the soil of a greenhouse border but this necessitated changing this every year. This meant that the old soil had to be dug out at the beginning of every season and new soil provided.
If the greenhouse was at an allotment then plenty of soil was at hand but only if it was not from a recent potato patch, the reason being both crops are from the same family.
The next method introduced was ring culture. Fibre rings about 12 inches
deep were filled with good-quality soil and stood on a gravel or shingle bed. Feed was only given to the plants via the soil in the rings and all the watering given to the surrounding bed.
In this way far less fresh soil was needed each year.
Of course, now greenhouses are usually laid on a concrete or paving base. Some gardeners set out the young tomato plants individually in large pots, the soil coming from growbags or John Innes No.3 compost.
However, by far the most popular method now is in growbags. These can be sited on any surface, the contents having been specially produced for this type of culture.
There is fresh soil every time and, at the end of cropping, the spent compost can be used as a conditioner or mulch throughout the garden. The compost in the bag contains feeding for the first few weeks.
There are bags on the market from various manufacturers at variable prices.
A new type tried this year was the Levington Tomorite Giant Planter, pictured. This bag is noticeably larger than any other and as well as enriched with the well known Tomorite plant food, seaweed has been added for full flavoured tomatoes.
Being bigger they are better at holding moisture. Normal sized growbags are prone to drying out, especially in hot, sunny weather.
The manufacturer's claim was: 'easy watering, better growth and extra yield'. They did hold the water better and plants were noticeably stronger. As for 'extra yield', well, it was a difficult year for tomatoes but who knows, the crop could have been worse if in a normal size bag.
The verdict: Certainly will be used next year.
Another bag used this year was the Levington Organic Choice Giant Vegetable Planter.
his one is suitable for peppers, aubergines, cucumbers and many more, including tomatoes.
Again with a much larger amount of compost than normal bags, an excellent crop of cucumbers was obtained from this new one as well.
