Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

they work perfect...can't wait to harvest my first ones

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

When I first saw this, I thought..."a novelty item, but I'll give it a try..what could it hurt." Now I love them. I add my fertilizer and water through it. My tomatoes have never looked happier.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Purchased these bases for tomato plants to protect them from blight that resides in the soil. Will know more later in the season if I succeeded.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I bought this item to be used in our garden for the tomatoe plants. They are light weight but should be perfect for our tomatoe plants.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I drilled holes and inserted tomato ladders so that I have a one-piece setup that allows easy fertilizer application. Fertilizer slowly dissolves in water in the pan and goes down to the roots on all sides of the plant.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Looking forward to pest free tomatoes this year

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I tried to use this in a square foot garden and they do not fit in the alotted area. While trying to get one in it split up the center so I put the other 2 away to try in a larger area which I have not yet done.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I was disappointed with this item. I purchased a similar product from you 2 seasons ago. I assumed the new one would be the same. It doesn't come close.

This product is more of a "throw away". Very flimsy. I will not be able to reuse for future plantings.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

In raised beds for watering and instead of red mulch

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These Tomato Automators are very flimsy and difficult to use.. While they seem to help the growth of the tomatos; the fact that they are only usable for a single year makes them extremely exspensive.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

This product made a difference in the size and number of tomatoes produced in my garden.
I did not use it one year and there was a noticeable difference in my harvest.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The design of these helps me water my tomatoes and peppers evenly and because they mulch as well, I find I only need to water every other day. We haven't had a cutworm problem since installing these either!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Make the whole tray bigger, especially the center hole.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Although a little on the flimsy side, I found that the automators really worked. You just have to make sure that you push the drainage holes in the ground. Otherwise, the water does not seep through correctly. My tomatoes came out great!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It is possible to use these with the Tomato Ladders; you need to make sure you punch an extra hole before you install them. They do a great job of directing water to the roots and provide protection from pests and water loss. I just wish they were sturdier--it's very easy to tear them, and I'd be willing to pay a little more to have ones made of much thicker plastic.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These have seemed to help a lot with a lot of common tomato problems. They even fit in the square tall tomato towers. Helps get the water into the soil.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These are not near the standards I expect and have experienced with other purchases. They aren't worth 10cents let alone [$]. I bought 10 sets. 8 are being returned and I won't use the ones I've already tried using. Very thin, flimsy material; sharp edges that cut into the stems trying to get them around the plants. I'm just so disappointed. The sturdy round ones that interlock two halves are perfect and have been discontinued. I was ready to buy 20 or more of them and got these instead. No thank you.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I ordered the Precision Drip Spikes, the Tomato Automators, and the Aqua Cones for my outdoor garden and strongly prefer the simple, effective design of the Aqua Cones to the others. The main problem I have with the Tomato Automators is that the inside edge is very sharp and can easily damage your stems during installation. They are also too large to use with a single stalk stake system, because you can't get the stake close enough to the plant to support the stem. Also very hard to use with landscape fabric, which I had already installed to control blight. Required cutting numerous holes and couldn't bury the edge in the soil. They are also too expensive for what they are - flimsy plastic. The Aqua Cones are simple in design, cheap, and effective.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I used these for the first time last year and had ripe tomatoes weeks earlier than friends who planted theirs at the same time! Worked so well, I bought more for this year's garden.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I am not sure these are working. They are obstructing my view of the root system. I am not sure what is happening down there and I hope they are okay. I want to return the second set i ordered [...] They are huge and did not fit easily into my garden. 3 plant have them and 3 don't. We will see which ones produce tomatoes.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

With our unusual growing weather this year my tomatos seem to love it. I started my plants early inside and actually put them out too soon but I made a dome to fight the cold. However, I experimented with 3 of these and I must say the plants that have these on are bigger, stronger, with tomatos already ripening. The others which do not have these trays, same varity started indoors at the same time and planted the same day, seem to be about 2 weeks behind these plants. It's to early to tell if the production will be greater though. But so far they seem to be working.

The only drawback is that you do have to be careful not to harm the tender stem while fitting these over your plants as the slot is narrow and the edges are sharp. The hole for the stem is a good size though but my tomato stems are quicky out growing this.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Product was easy to use and, unlike other similar products, this tomato automater can be installed 'after' the plants are in the ground due to the slit that allows you to fit the automator around the base of the plant.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I placed one around my cherry tomato plant since that one I didn't need to grow vertically with the ladders. I also placed one around a beefsteak tomato plant which I ultimately had to stake since it had no support. I don't know if they were necessary to use but the plants are doing fine. It's too soon to say if they will do any better at generating a crop of tomatoes than a red tomato ladder would. Also, I purchased them after the seedling plants were established so it was tricky trying to open up the tray to not slice the stems of the plants.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Intend to return this product. Very cheaply made and flimsy, do NOT work with the tomato ladders that Gardener's Supply sells. Very disappointed. Not up to their usual standards.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The automators are pretty lightweight. I had one blow away even after following the directions. Soil got down into the holes that the water went in and acted as a dam and wouldn't allow the water to soak down to the plant. I put my tomatoes stakes through the holes and that helped.Also be careful when putting the automaters on your plants, the plastic can cut into the tomato stem and damage it.I will see how the growing season goes with this product.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I live in RI so I just put in my vegetable garden.
For the first time this season, I am using the new tomato automators.
I found them difficult to get around plant without damaging the plant.
The 4 downward tubes make them difficult to place firmly on soil.
I much prefer the heavy plastic round automators

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Tried these last year, wasn't real sure if they worked or whether it was just a good year. Am trying them again this year in half my garden-do notice that the plants using these trays seem to be bigger so far. I will note that they are not very re-usable from one year to the next.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Have not used for a full growing season yet. The trays are flimsy. One cracked while putting on tomato as the slit for the stem was not seperated in the factory. I was unable to figure out how to use with the tomato ladders as the tray is bigger than the base of the ladders and the holes don't line up. Was disappointed in the quality versus cost of item.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Finally I can use an automator with larger plants. No longer restricted to small seedlings that fit through the center hole. I look forward to using them this summer!!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I particularly like the idea that they help prevent cut-worms.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The instructions state that you can use this with the tomato ladders. They DON'T work if you're using the tomato ladder extensions for tall tomatoes. The extension has to go down before the ladder and sits lower to the ground than the ladder - crushed the automator.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

good weed and water control

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I really liked the product and believe I will use it in the future in another part of my garden. I have my tomatoe plants in the raised self watering trough with the extension. I have a tomato cage around each plant and the automato does not fit inside the cage. I would need to put holes in it or cut the plastic to make it fit. Right now the cutworms are leaving my tomato plants along. I've planted red onions in with them and perhaps the cutworms are not fond of red onion.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I don't understand the people who said the hole wasn't big enough, or that they cut their tomato off. Sheesh, the hole is the size of quarter at least. It went on easy, makes the water flow down to the roots. We'll see about whether the red makes them more productive. Red plastic is going to fade over time, so anyone who thinks they are going to use these for years and years is delusional anyway. They're only [$] for 3-I know gardeners are "thrifty", but come on!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

They are easy to use but can be a little hard to get around a small tomato stem. I am still new to having my own garden so was concerned that I was going to break the tomato stem when putting the automater on.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

This is one product I was very disappointed in. I managed to kill one plant trying to get the automator around the plant. I like the concept but it is too difficult to place around the plants. Also we use the tomato ladders and no holes are designed into the product to accommodate them.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It works as advertised

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These do not work with tomate ladders.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

We tested these last year and the tomatoes that had these were much healthier. We are going to purchase these again for this year (and more of them)but do NOT expect a seconds season of use from them. By the end of last season when I went to pick them up to store them for the winter, they fell apart.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Hope they work!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I am looking forward to having a great crop of tomatoes and spending less time watering.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

In South Louisiana when the weather got hot it was hard to get enough water to plant. Helped the plant get started early in season but as season and temp got hot it did not work well. I feel product could be better if water tray was larger (for my climate).

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Very light weight, effective for two seasons. Prefer the Tomato Crate. Of the dozen I purchased this season, two cracked and ripped. I cleaned & washed for next season but I am doubtful I will be able to use three/four seasons. Too lightweight and filmsy.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I like the way it keeps down weeds. Plus I worry less about cutworms. It's early days yet but I'm starting to see some tomatoes begin. I hope it helps.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These are rather thin & flimsy compared to the other brands I have in the garden. These will last maybe one season.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Helps retain moisture and concentrates the water where needed. I find it holds enough water. But these things are flimsy! I get about two years max out of them. The ones I use without the tomato towers, tend to blow away in high winds at times.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I was not thrilled with this product. I had to cut the holes bigger to fit around plant and they tend to be flimsy. Several seasons ago, I purchased the tomato coasters from you. They were made of heavier plastic and split in half and you just snaped them together. Much better design and sturdiness.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

They seem to be great for our tomatos. Just kind of worried about lasting from season to season.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Go old school, like my grandma used to. Take the top off of an aluminum can and punch holes in the bottom/ when you plant your toms bury the can open side up next to your plant/ water into that open container. Tomatoes like a lot of water but at their roots, this free method works great!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

This has really helped keep my tomatoes alive during this very hot Texas summer. Definitely delivers water to the root zone.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

A nice idea but they ned to be made with better material. They won't last another year.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I like the ones I bought a few years ago better - they were two piece and much easier to use and more sturdy.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I noticed my tomoatoes growing more quickly within the first few days. The trays keep the weeds from growing aroung the plants and helps with staking them.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The tomato automator does a great job keeping down the weeds and is a great assist when watering my plants. I would buy again.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Just read an article on how tomato plants respond to the color red with more amd healthier tomatos, when I found this cool little tray on your website. After planting a tomato plant from the nursery, I gently slipped the tray around the stem and leveled the tray out. The tray keeps the weeds away and is easy to water the plant by letting a slow stream of water flow into the tray. The plant has already flowered and can't wait to try the tomato's.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

This is my first season to use this product, so do not have an end of season evaluation, but my tomato plants seem to be thriving and developing many blossoms compared to those which do not have the Tomato Automators.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The automators are thin flimsy plastic. When I put the tomatoe ladders in the automators as suggested, the water wouldn't drain in those holes with the ladder legs and I had to break them open more with a screwdriver. I'm growing tomatoes in pots on my patio for the first time and cannot judge how much better the automators work. The do look nice with the ladders and my tomatoes are growing fine.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I'd had my tomato plants in the ground for a couple of weeks when my tomato automators arrived. I was pleased to find they fit around my older plants without much difficulty. Don't know if they are going to increase productivity, but sure like the fact that the automators keep the weeds away from my plants. That's enough to make me want to use them over and over.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I bought 6 - One broke immediately - plastic is not of a durable type. Difficult to get around a plant (one person) with out damage. Have two "blades" where stem has to be inserted. The watering "pins" are fragile and don't go into soil easily. And whatever - do not have a rock under any of the inserting "pin". Have no idea as to whether they "work" on improving production of tomatos - they are way too fragile & difficult to use to be worthy of all the effort & EXPENSE.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

They do help protect tomato plants from cut worms.
Also help to direct water to the expanding plant roots.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I am not sure they will work but eager to find out for myself. First time I have used these.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Several years ago I purchased some very nice tomato automators (not sure what they were called) which had two heavy plastic halves that clipped together. I was surprised the styling had changed and then was very disappointed with the flimsy quality of these new ones. They are difficult to put onto anything but a very tiny seedling and even then the sharp edges still scrape the stems. They don't really sit well on the ground.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Excellent gadget. Best to use when plants are first planted and small. Protects the plant and provides a watering reservoir.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I have a set of 6 black plastic tomato automators (not the name) that I have had for over 20 years. I needed more of them and have not been able to find them anywhere else. They keep weeds out and keep my husband from running over the tomato plants. I love them. It was hard to get the tomato plant stem thru the small slit that is provided. I suppose you could cut the plastic.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Soil must be permeable and tray kept clean. I'm producing the largest, most prolific tomato's in my long experience with desert gardening. The trays help keep water where it is needed, in the roots. I place my drippers in the pan, and supplement with water from a hose. Best if used in combination with the square cages.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It' still early in the season, but we have used a similar product before with good results. The tomatoes ripened faster, we had good weed control and I think the water gets to the roots better.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

One tomato plant was larger and had fruit. It didn't get a tomato automater and is now half the size of the others. I'm convinced!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

difficult to space holes to install

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

despite a late start due to a rainy spring and a flood, my tomatoes are thriving better than I expected with these trays. they were easy to install, and have helped my tomatoes catch up to where they should be at this time of year if they had been planted on time.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

had to have these along with my sturdy tomato cages.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

My larger tomatoes are growing too large for the hole, and I find they are very flimsy. As I pushed my tomato ladder into the ground, many of them split. They seem to work just fine, but I'm not sure they will make it to another season. I much prefer the round ones that come apart, even though I can't use my ladders with them. I'll just have to go back to using stakes with those.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Used this for my seedlings. Found them difficult to put around the stems. Was afraid I was going to cut them off. Material is thin and sharp around the edges. I kept them even though I would not have purchased them knowing what I know. And, they are too much money for what you get.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I liked the idea of this product but in reality they don't fit well with the ladders. In order to properly sink the ladder securely into the ground you bend and dent in the automator, as the legs of the ladder are not tall enough to clear the automator and sink deep enough to not fall over in a high wind....I tried placing the ladders both front and back and some part of the automator becomes damaged when you sink them in....they need to rework this design...

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Place around plant when planting and add organic fertilizer to the built-in wells. With the tray filled with water, it helps prevent the soil from drying out and keeps the plant fed all season long.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

First time user of this product, thought they sounded interesting and helpful regarding keeping alot of ground insects hopefully at bay. I would caution users to be careful when slipping tray around plant as it is abit tricky, the edges are sharp, and it did sever the stem of one of my tomato plants!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I used these along with the ladders for my tomato plants. They were easy to install and make it easy to water the plants. So far the plants are thriving beautifully.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Very useful product, tomatoes are growing great.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The idea is wonderful. However, it takes a lot of care to avoid cutting the stems of the tomato plants. I would recommend to a friend, if they understood how careful they need to be to use. I recommend to plant first, then place automators around plant, then stake. If you plant and stake first, you are asking for the stems to be cut!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I used these automators with the tomato ladders. I use weed barrier cloth in my garden and I found them a little difficult to use but I think they will work OK. I just got things planted over Memorial Day so the plants haven't really started growing much yet. Just waiting to see but am pleased with them so far.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

The slit in the unit is of unsuitable size and will damage the small tomato plant if not extremly careful. To remedy this I used a tin snips to enlarge the slit so that the tomatos were not damaged. The holes in the unit are too small to accomodate the tomato stakes from Gardener's Supply. By pushing very hard it was possible to enlarge the holes so the tomato stakes fit. This may have damaged the unit somewhat. I am trying the units to see how effective they are.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I had one very small tomato that took off after I put this on. And some that seemed to not grow at all. I have a few plants I did not use it on for comparison and they are not doing as well as the ones that do have automaters. Ws shall know better toward the end of the season, if they were worth the investment.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

stops weeds and bugs Works great

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

These are the best in class of this particular product. They are thinner than other competitive brands out there which allows me to punch my tomato latters right through the automater without damaging performance. I buy these every year. I wouldnt grow tomatoes without them!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

We bought the product (in black) a year ago and used it in the garden around the tomato plants. We bought more this year so we would have for all the tomatoe plants We liked how we could water the plant consistently and that it kept weeds away from the base of the plant. We were in a drought situation and had to water the tomato plants daily during the hot weather. We could use a bucket and put the water right into the trays and the water was directed where it needed to be. After using it one season in the garden, we found out that they were somewhat fragile in removing from the plant for next year. We tore a couple removing them. They were somewhat hard to clean for the next year but a good soaking and spraying with a hose did it for us. Our tomatoe plants were healthy and productive last year with the trays around the base. We put the tomatoe stakes on the outside of the base and it worked well.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I like the round red tomato trays that you had several years ago much better then these flimsy ones.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I just started using mine, so time will tell, but I don't think I will be able to use next year as they seem to me they might break.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Water does not penatrate soil easily. sits in units for to long.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It is too early to report the use results of this product. So far, the small tomato plants I planted are thriving. It will be several weeks before any fruit is picked.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Works well with your tomato ladders... but not usable with a standard tomato (round) cage. I am hoping to reuse next year, but they are sort of flimsy and I don't know if they will hold up for more than one season. I love the concept.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Not sturdy enough and fading before summer is here

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Using for the first time. Matched up with the ladders and extensions. Had to use the catalog picture to set up, but they all fit together like the picture.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Easy installation, no weeds choking my plants.
Not sure how effective yet, first time use.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Used it with the tomato ladders. Tomato garden looks great!

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It was sort of flinzy, so I had to place a rock over it to hold it down on windy days, although it could had also been my dogs running around them too. Don't know how this will affect the growth of my tomatoes, but time will tell. I do like the fact that you can water right on the red plastic, which avoids puddels, or pouring too much water on the roots.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Ordered imilar ones last hyear, which are different from this yars. I hve half of my inground tomatoes in the two ifferent types. Had planted my seeding before the new watering pans arrived and found that thet were more difficult to to instal. Last yars pans split apsart, makig them easier to install. Time will tell which is the best?

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It has helped my tomatoe grow twice as fast as tomatoes without.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It was difficult to put the item around the tomato plant. In fact, the two plastic edges sliced the top off my tomato! I found that if I just cut the opening a little - it works much better.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

At first I thought the product wasn't as good as last year's model. The Automator is flimsy to work with but the deep holes have actually help prevent insects from attacking the tomatos. It seems the small holes drains slowly and drowns the bugs.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I found it difficult to use without cutting into the plant so I enlarged the opening. After installing it is very difficult to make sure the small plant gets enough water. The older style with the larger round opening allows for easy watering when plant is small.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I would rate these perfect except that they are a bit destructible. Mine lasted for 3 years and did a great job mulching and reducing the soil fungi "tomato blight". I can't rotate crops in the space I have and these helped. This is my second order to replace the ones that got busted, knocked up and sun faded over the last 3 years. i recommend them highly.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I have used these type of items before but these appear to the best size.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Very simple and easy to use

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Must say I was very disappointed with this product. It's very flimsy and since it's one piece it's difficult to put on and remove. It wasn't easy to "just slip on". I had to weigh it down with a brick so it wouldn't blow away.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I found this to be a good means to water and protect my tomatoes from cut worms,also I can use them with my tomato ladders. The thing that I didn't like was the way I had to place it around my plant. I was afraid that I was going to damage my stem as I pried the base open to get it around it. But I did not damage it and I'm pleased with the fit.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

i've planted 9 tomato plants - used 3 automators on seedlings, just 3 weeks after planting the seedlings in the automators are 3X the size of my other plantings. Hope this translate to more tomatoes! But I really like this product, keeps the seeding upright, water goes right to the roots, and it is attractive in my garden.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

It is much harder to use and flimsier than the clip on automators I purchased from you before.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

I haven't used these yet, but the design will work well in my raised vegetable beds, and the concept is an interesting one.

Comments about Tomato Automators, Set of 3:

Increases tomato productions and keeps the creepy crawlers off of the plant.