Here are two photos from last year, one at planting time (yes, they look dead and horrible!), and one just weeks later, as the kids admired them with me. Planting them sideways is one of the ways these tomato behemoths not only survived, but flourished.
My tomato seedlings always grow into tall trees before it's time to get them into the ground. I wouldn't exactly say they are leggy as much as lanky; I affectionately call them my awkward teenage tomatoes that need some space to grow. To give these oversized babies some extra support, I have learned to plant them sideways!
You can bury tomato plants all the way up to the top leaves for a super-strong, deeply rooted plant. However, my raised beds along the side of my house (under which is gravel), don't allow that option. Sideways planting is a really good alternative and helps grow a healthy tomato plant with strong rooted anchors.
And here is my first ever video, in which I (clumsily) show you how I planted sideways today! :)
*Note--In the video, you'll see me plating the whole stem sideways, branches and all. Though my tomatoes have always done well this way, I've learned it's better to remove all branches that will end up under the soil. :)
This post was featured at the Home Acre Blog Hop!
Great job with the video! :) I love amish paste tomatoes too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Megan! It felt so awkward making the video, but I had fun!
DeleteThe first time I saw this was many years ago on The Victory Garden (I don't even know if it's still on PBS) and I've planted my tomatoes that way ever since. Great job with the video! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Lydia! You know, I'd really like to see if I can find The Victory Garden and watch some episodes. I remember it being on when I was younger, but of course at the time I was absolutely and completely uninterested. ;)
DeleteI never even knew that you could plant tomatoes sideways... the video came out so great, thanks for all the helpful tips! What zone do you garden from? I always get so nervous about my plants when I compare them to other zones. My plants (started from indoor seeds) seem so small!
ReplyDeleteHi Caitlin! I'm in zone 5b-6a. Quite honestly I start my tomato seeds too early every spring...I just get too dang excited. It's like a part time job keeping them healthy, and they get so big and unmanageable. This year I waited two weeks later than normal to plant because we had some sudden weird weather. What zone are you in? I still have quite a few little babies inside that need to move out...my tomatoes and peppers are the only seedlings that end up looking like behemoths come planting time! ;)
DeleteGreat advice, I also have long lanky tomato seedlings and I do the same thing. By the end of the season I can't believe the rot structure! Thank you for sharing your post on the HomeAcre Hop! I am going to feature your post on my blog tomorrow! Hope you stop by and link up again! - Nancy The Home Acre Hop
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy! I will be stopping by! :)
DeleteSo, I have come to discover more ways of planting tomatoes. Great effort. Growing tomato plant sideways showing great results. I would also give it a try in my garden bed. Tomato contains some important nutrients like Vitamins A and C and lycopene.
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