Posted on 24 March 2009 by tomatocasual.com
How Deeply Should You Plant Tomatoes?
By Michelle Fabio
A recent question to the Master Gardener asked whether you really should plant some of a tomato plant stem below the soil.
A resounding yes was the Master Gardener’s answer, and we agree.
You can increase your chances of strong tomato plants by burying them with part of the stem in the soil and only about six inches above ground, with the leaves pinched off on that part; tomato plants will shortly root along the stem underground, giving you a larger, stronger root system–always a good thing.
Do you use tomato plants or do you start from seeds?
March 24th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I posted about this yesterday. If you tip them over on their sides the day before planting, they reach for the light and are easier to plant.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Love your site! Tomatoes!!!
I start my plants from seed – It helps the last part of winter move faster. Plus I try to sell some.
I have found that starting them in coir plugs is easy and, through bottom watering, I have no problems with damping off.
March 25th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
This is my first year planting a garden. In the above article it says “with the leaves pinched off on that part” – what exactly does that mean? The picture doesn’t show leaves being pinched off. Do I measure 6″ from the top of the plant, remove the leaves from that point down, and plant at the 6″ from the top mark?
Thanks!
March 27th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Thanks for the tips Deb and Anita!
Rene’, the leaves should be pinched off on the part that goes underground. Sorry for the confusion!