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?

By Kira Hamman

If you live in the northern half of the country, the tomato seedlings you started indoors probably have a bit of cabin fever right about now.

They’ve undoubtedly outgrown the pots you started them in and are reaching for the sky (that is, ceiling) with determination.

Maybe you’ve started to harden them off, and their first brush with outside light and air has left them a bit woozy. They’re not quite ready for independence, but soon, so soon, they will be. You’ll take them out to the garden and – gasp! – leave them there.

We’ve already covered hardening off, and that is indeed a critical step. But once it’s done, there are still some things you can do to ease the transition and improve your plants’ chances of success. Read the rest of this entry »