Product availability update — October 17, 2026:Product references below describe the former offerings.
How do you set up Tomato Crater for maximum yield? Place Tomato Crater around your transplant at planting time, press it gently into the soil so the moat sits level, and water directly into the moat every time you irrigate. Never water the leaves — always the moat. Made in USA.
Tom's Quick Answer: Plant your transplant, set Tomato Crater around the base, level it, and water into the moat. That's the whole setup. The hard part is remembering to never use a sprinkler again.
What You'll Need
- Tomato Crater (1-Pack for single plants, 3-Pack for a row, 9-Pack for a full garden)
- Healthy tomato, pepper, or vegetable transplants
- Your regular tomato fertilizer
- Stratus Precision Rain Gauge (to track rainfall and adjust watering)
- Watering can or drip irrigation — no sprinklers
Step-by-Step Installation
- Prepare your planting hole. Dig your hole slightly deeper than normal — tomatoes benefit from deep planting. Remove lower leaves and bury the stem up to the top set of leaves. This creates a deeper root system from the start.
- Place Tomato Crater around the stem. Set the Tomato Crater ring around the base of the transplant. The open center accommodates the stem. Press gently into the soil so the moat sits level and stable.
- Check the moat level. The moat should be level so water doesn't run to one side. Adjust by pressing one side slightly deeper if needed.
- Water into the moat immediately. Fill the Tomato Crater moat completely with water. Watch it drain — this confirms the channel is directing water to the root zone.
- Continue with your regular fertilizer. After the establishment phase, continue with your regular tomato fertilizer poured directly into the Tomato Crater moat.
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Track rainfall with Stratus. Mount your Stratus Precision Rain Gauge in an open area of the garden. Check after every rain event. Tomatoes need 1–2 inches per week — subtract rainfall from your watering schedule.
Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
| Timing | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3–8 | Water moat 2–3x per week, fertilizer weekly | Check Stratus gauge after rain |
| Flowering | Increase to 1.5–2" per week, consistent schedule | Inconsistency causes blossom drop |
| Fruit set | Maintain 1.5–2" per week | Inconsistency causes blossom end rot |
| Ripening | Reduce to 1" per week | Concentrates sugars in fruit |
| End of season | Remove, clean, store Tomato Crater | Reusable for next season |
Works on More Than Tomatoes
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't install after the plant is established. Tomato Crater works best when installed at transplant time. Installing around a large established plant is harder and less effective.
- Don't let the moat tilt. A tilted moat directs water to one side. Take 30 seconds to level it at installation.
- Don't water the leaves. Ever. Use the moat every time.
- Don't use high-expansion foam or mulch that blocks the moat. Keep the moat opening clear for water entry.
FAQs
When should I install Tomato Crater?
At transplant time — the same day you plant your tomato, pepper, or vegetable transplant. Installing at planting gives the root zone watering system maximum time to work during the critical establishment phase.
How do I know how much to water with Tomato Crater?
Tomatoes need 1–2 inches of water per week. Use a Stratus Precision Rain Gauge to track rainfall, then supplement with Tomato Crater watering to reach the weekly target. The Stratus gauge measures to 0.01-inch precision so you always know exactly where you stand.
Is Tomato Crater reusable?
Yes. Clean at the end of the season, store dry, and reuse the following spring. Many gardeners report using the same Tomato Crater rings for 5+ seasons.
Does Tomato Crater work for peppers and other vegetables?
Yes.
