Wilting Tomato Plants? This $13 Tool Could Be the Heatwave Rescue They Need – It Delivers Water Straight to the Roots
Plant grow rings also reduce water surface run-off and protect your plants from pests and damage
If there's one thing worth doing in a heatwave, it's deep watering your garden. Rather than simply wetting the soil surface, this technique encourages moisture to reach the root zone where plants need it most, helping them cope better with prolonged dry spells. To make this job easier, I've just come across a clever solution: plant grow rings.
Inserted into the soil around individual plants, these simple plastic collars aid deep watering by creating a small reservoir that directs water (and fertilizer) straight to the roots instead of allowing it to run off the soil surface. Take this pack of Amazon plant grow rings, for example. They offer a more targeted way to water thirsty crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
It's a simple idea, but one that could help reduce water waste in your yard by making a single watering can go further. One shopper even notes the rings 'help keep mulch and soil contained while creating a nice protective border.' Not to mention, they're currently 52% off, so you can get six rings for just $12.99.
These plant grow rings measure seven inches in diameter. The spikes are easy to insert into the soil, creating a protective barrier around your plant's root zone. It directs water and fertilizer directly to the roots, perfect for deep watering and supporting plants in hot weather.
How Do Plant Grow Rings Work?
Plant grow rings are a staple for protecting plants in a heatwave and watering plants in hot weather correctly.
They come in several designs (like these watering bags from Wayfair), but the Amazon plant grow rings sit around a plant, inserted into the soil with a slight collar about ground level. When you then water your plant, it creates a reservoir and water soaks into the soil directly at the root zone.
This ultimately reduces water surface run-off, ensuring your plants get every drop of water while also reducing how much water you use. Secondarily, it reduces soil erosion, supporting your soil health and structure.
It's also helpful for directing fertilizer to plant roots and provides a physical barrier to keep roots and lower foliage safe from summer garden pests.
Plant grow rings can be beneficial for ornamental and edible plants alike, particularly if you're growing thirsty veg like tomatoes and peppers.
Why Shoppers Love Them
The Amazon plant grow rings have a 4.4-star rating with reviews revealing they're very effective.
'These plant grow rings have been a fantastic addition to my garden. They are incredibly simple to install – just press them into the soil – and they instantly create a cleaner, more organized planting area around each plant,' one five-star reviewer writes.
'I especially love how they help direct water and fertilizer right where it’s needed most: the root zone. Instead of water running off or spreading across the surface, it stays concentrated around the plant, helping it absorb moisture and nutrients more efficiently,' they add.
The bonus of these Amazon plant grow rings is that they create a protective barrier.
'Another huge benefit is the protection they provide from weeds and accidental damage from lawn equipment or foot traffic. They create a small barrier around delicate seedlings, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, giving plants a better chance to establish and thrive,' a shopper notes.
In terms of durability, reviewers reveal these plastic rings are sturdy and high quality.
'They have withstood two strong storms so far and I feel they helped the tomato plants stay straight without bending in the wind and rain,' one person writes.
'I purchased a similar product last year and these are far superior to those, which were a lighter weight. I would expect these to last without having to replace them each year,' they add.
It is hard to find a downside to these Amazon plant grow rings, other than the fact they all measure seven inches in diameter, so aren't suited to all plants.
While they will accommodate small-medium tomato plants, you may want to opt for a larger ring for a more established plant – like this pack of 50 plant grow rings in varying sizes on Amazon. This will ensure the stems don't get damaged as you fit the ring around it.
Nevertheless, the fact that the plant grow rings are currently 52% off for just $12.99 makes them more than worth it to me, especially considering you can reuse them year-round and for many growing seasons.
What to Shop
This drip irrigation kit has everything you need to set up an effective watering system and keep large areas of your garden hydrated in summer.
This pack of self-watering pots helps keep plants on your patio hydrated through hot weather. They have a water reservoir at the bottom.
This soil moisture meter can give you an instant reading of how wet your plant's soil is, so you know when it's time to top it up without overwatering.
These plant grow rings are ideal for plants that need more water in a heatwave, though you should keep in mind watering mistakes can still be made when using tools like this. That's why a soil moisture meter (which you can pick up on Amazon) is always helpful to have to hand.
If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?
