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. ;)
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