Should you Bury Your Tomato Plants Sideways?
About This Resource
The article discusses the practice of burying tomato plants sideways, known as the trench method, which can lead to better root development and potentially higher yields in the right conditions. However, it emphasizes that this method is not universally beneficial and may hinder growth in regions with shorter growing seasons. The author presents findings from an experiment comparing different planting methods, highlighting that while sideways planting can encourage adventitious root growth, it may redirect energy away from fruit production if the growing season is limited. Alternatives such as deep planting or surface planting are suggested for those in shorter seasons. Ultimately, the article advises gardeners to consider their specific climate and growing conditions before deciding on the best transplanting method for tomatoes.
Key takeaways
What to know before you act on this, from the SteadScape editors.
- Evaluate your growing season; if it's less than 75 days, consider deep planting instead of the trench method.
- Plant tomato seedlings 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost date for optimal growth in hardiness zones 5-9.
- Ensure daytime temperatures are consistently above 85°F (29°C) before using the trench method for best results.
- Budget $2 to $5 per tomato plant for seeds or seedlings, factoring in soil amendments if needed for better yields.
- Avoid planting sideways if your season is short; redirecting energy to root growth can reduce fruit production.
- Best for
- Intermediate gardeners in moderate climates; plan in early spring before transplanting.
- Pairs with
- Garden Planner for your zone and frost dates.
Source Information
Summary and key takeaways written by SteadScape. How we choose resources
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