What is a Japanese tomato ring?

Tomato (public domain photo)

Next year in the gradual garden, I'd like to implement a few different techniques. One is a Japanese tomato ring. It's a clever method of growing the healthiest tomatoes on the planet. So, how is it done and how did I learn about it?

I just recently learned the name of this technique. My Dad used it once or twice when I was a kid. I don't think he ever told me what it was called. A Japanese tomato ring might seem a little crazy to anyone who hasn't tried it. It's definitely not for those neat and tidy gardeners. I still remember the taste of those crazily juicy tomatoes my Dad grew, though. This method gets an A in my book.

Growing tomatoes in a Japanese tomato ring

Step 1: Clear a six foot circle of level high ground.

Never plant tomatoes in a low spot. Water can collect and cause fungus to grow. Fungus infected tomatoes are not edible. Till the cleared spot until soil is fine and loose. The depth of the tilled soil should be at least a foot. Fertilize with eggshells and coffee grounds. Amend the soil with sand to further discourage fungus.

Step 2. Make a cage using garden or cattle wire fire.

The cage should be about four feet tall and about two feet around. You do this by coiling the fence around itself in a circle. Fasten the circle together with strong wire. This will become both a trellis for the tomatoes and a holder for your compost. It's a very clever method for constant fertilization of your tomatoes.

Step 3. Make a circle in the middle of the tilled area.

Use 4-6 garden stakes. These should be spaced so the cage / trellis fits just inside them. Wire the cage to the stakes for stability. You don't want the cage blowing over with the slightest gust of wind.

Step 4. Fill the cage with compost, shredded leaves and kitchen scraps.

These should be alternated in layers. Thoroughly soak the pile using a garden hose. This takes longer than you might think. Don't turn the hose off until you're sure the pile is completely soaked through.

Step 5. Plant four tomato seedlings in the outer ring around the cage.

Water the ground, not the tomato plants themselves, just as you would any tomato plant. Be sure to keep the material in the cage moist. It acts as a personal compost pile just for the tomatoes, as well as a trellis for the tomato vines. Soon you'll be eating the sweetest juiciest tomatoes you've ever tasted in your life.

Portions of this post were previously published on Yahoo! by this author