Tomato Watering: Hoses, Timers and Sprayers

Tomatoes want steady water. This collection gathers the watering gear for a tomato bed or pot: a garden hose and a hose reel, water timers that shut off on their own, and a spray nozzle. The tomato guide has the numbers.

University of Minnesota Extension calls one inch of rainfall or irrigation per week ideal. University of Maryland Extension says a mature plant may require 2 to 3 gallons of water weekly, given as a deep soak at least once a week when rain is short, and it lists inconsistent watering among the causes of blossom-end rot. Pots need more: University of New Hampshire Extension waters container tomatoes thoroughly at least once a day, possibly twice.

Much of the same gear works for peppers, which Clemson Extension waters until the soil is moist at least 6 inches deep.