Mastering the Art of Watering Your Garden

Why Gardeners Are Rethinking How They Water Tomatoes

Experienced gardeners know that how you water matters as much as how often you water.

Surface watering can:

• Wash soil away from roots

• Encourage weeds

• Increase evaporation

• Promote splash-related disease

• Leave roots shallow and stressed

That’s why more gardeners are turning to root-zone watering — and why Tomato Crater® has become a trusted tool for gardeners who plan ahead and want consistent, reliable results.

What Is Tomato Crater®?

Tomato Crater® is a two-piece, snap-on root watering system designed to surround the base of a plant and deliver water, nutrients, and liquid fertilizer directly to the roots.

Unlike lightweight watering rings or collars, Tomato Crater:

• Wraps fully around the plant

• Installs easily after planting

• Accepts tomato cages

• Stays in place without staking

• Works across multiple vegetables

It is proudly Made in the USA and built for season-after-season reuse.

How Tomato Crater Works (Feature → Benefit → Scenario)

• 2-Piece Snap-On Design – Installs around the plant stem without disturbing roots – Ideal for newly planted or established plants

• Built-In Water Reservoir – Channels water slowly to the root zone – Reduces runoff, evaporation, and wasted water

• Wide Protective Ring – Acts as a weed and pest barrier – Helps deter cutworms, slugs, and weeds

• Soil-Warming Surface – Retains heat around roots – Supports early planting and extended harvests

• Thick, UV-Resistant Plastic – Durable for repeated use – Lasts many seasons without cracking

• Cage-Compatible Design – Works with standard tomato cages – No interference with plant support systems

Who Tomato Crater Is For

Tomato Crater is designed for gardeners who plan ahead and want consistent results with less guesswork.

Ideal For:

• Home gardeners growing tomatoes in ground, raised beds, or containers

• Balcony and patio gardeners (including condo and apartment setups)

• Gardeners in hot, dry, or unpredictable climates

• Anyone looking to conserve water

• Families growing food for sharing, preserving, or freezing

What Tomato Crater Is Not

Being clear helps gardeners choose the right tool.

Tomato Crater is not:

• A drip irrigation system

• A one-time disposable product

• A lightweight collar that needs staking

• A product that requires threading plants through openings

Why Tomato Crater Outperforms Other Watering Aids

Many gardeners compare Tomato Crater to products from Dalen and Park Seed, or other lightweight watering rings.

Key Differences:

Gardeners consistently report that Tomato Crater is easier to install, stays in place, and supports healthier plants without damaging stems.

What Real Gardeners Are Saying

Across Walmart and Amazon, gardeners consistently mention:

Common Results

• Healthier, deeper root systems

• Stronger plants with better yields

• Less soil erosion when watering

• Fewer weeds and pests near the base

• Better moisture retention in hot weather

Real-World Feedback

• Gardeners report larger harvests, even with fewer plants

• Works well beyond tomatoes: peppers, squash, zucchini, herbs

• Especially helpful in hot, dry regions and container gardens

• Many users reuse the same Tomato Craters for years

Some gardeners note the reservoir drains gradually — which is expected and intentional to avoid oversaturation.

Vegetables That Work Well with Tomato Crater

Tomato Crater is versatile and used successfully for:

• Tomatoes (all varieties)

• Bell peppers and chili peppers

• Zucchini and squash

• Cucumbers

• Eggplant

• Herbs and vining vegetables

Many gardeners refer to them as “Veggie Craters” because of their broad usefulness.

Works Even Better as a System

Gardeners often pair Tomato Crater with:

• Anchor Stakes® – For additional plant stability

• Stratus Precision Rain Gauge – To measure rainfall and adjust watering accurately

All are Made in the USA and designed to work together for smarter gardening.

Related Tomato Crater Guides (Learn More)

• Why Tomato Plants Get Blight and How Better Root Watering Helps
  https://www.fliproducts.com/blogs/news/why-tomato-plants-get-blight-and-how-better-watering-at-the-roots

• Tomato Crater vs Traditional Garden Watering Aids
  https://www.fliproducts.com/blogs/news/tomato-crater-vs-traditional-garden-watering-aids-which-helps-plants

• How Sharon from Michigan Grew Her Best Cherry Tomatoes
  https://www.fliproducts.com/blogs/news/how-sharon-from-michigan-grew-her-best-cherry-tomatoes-with-tomato

• Tomato Crater: The Smart Way to Grow Healthier Tomatoes
  https://www.fliproducts.com/blogs/news/tomato-crater-the-smart-way-to-grow-healthier-tomatoes-with-less-work

Watch: How Tomato Crater Works in Real Gardens

Where to Buy Tomato Crater®

Tomato Crater is available at Walmart, directly from FLI Products, and other select retailers. Availability may vary by season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tomato Crater save water?

It delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and runoff.

Can Tomato Crater be installed after planting?

Yes. The two-piece design snaps together around the plant without disturbing roots.

Does Tomato Crater work in containers?

Yes. Many gardeners successfully use it in pots, raised beds, and balcony gardens.

Does Tomato Crater help with pests and weeds?

The wide ring helps block weeds and can deter pests like cutworms and slugs.

Is Tomato Crater reusable?

Yes. It’s made from thick, UV-resistant plastic and designed for many seasons of use.