Maximizing Your Tomato Harvest: The Benefits of Sideways Planting and Deep Burying
March 14, 2023
Tomatoes are a staple of many gardens and with good reason. They are delicious, versatile, and packed with nutrients. However, if you’re looking to take your tomato game to the next level, you may want to consider planting them sideways or burying them deeply. These planting techniques can result in larger, healthier plants and a bountiful harvest.
Planting Tomatoes Sideways:
The technique of planting tomatoes sideways is all about taking advantage of the plant’s natural ability to grow roots from its stem. By laying the tomato plant on its side and burying the stem in soil, you encourage the plant to grow additional roots along its buried stem. This, in turn, leads to a stronger, more robust plant that is better able to withstand stressors such as wind and drought.
To plant tomatoes sideways, start by digging a trench that is deep enough to accommodate the plant. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the plant, leaving only the top leaves intact. Gently lay the plant in the trench, being careful not to damage the stem. Cover the stem with soil, leaving the top leaves exposed. Over time, the top of the plant will turn upward towards the sun, and the buried stem will continue to grow roots.
Burying Tomatoes Deeply:
Burying tomatoes deeply is another planting technique that can lead to bigger, healthier plants. This technique involves burying the tomato plant deeper than you would normally plant it, which encourages the plant to grow additional roots along its stem.
To bury a tomato plant deeply, start by digging a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the plant, leaving only the top leaves intact. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top leaves are above ground level. Cover the stem with soil, leaving only the top leaves exposed. Over time, the buried stem will grow additional roots, resulting in a larger, stronger plant.
The Benefits of Sideways and Deep Planting:
There are several benefits to planting tomatoes sideways or burying them deeply. First and foremost, these techniques encourage the plant to grow more roots, which leads to a larger, healthier plant. Additionally, plants that are grown using these techniques are better able to withstand stressors such as wind, drought, and pests. Finally, because the buried stem is able to retain moisture better than an upright stem, plants grown using these techniques require less watering.
In conclusion, planting tomatoes sideways or burying them deeply may seem like unconventional planting techniques, but they can lead to huge harvests and healthier plants. By encouraging the plant to grow more roots along its stem, you create a stronger, more robust plant that is better able to withstand the challenges of the growing season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, give these techniques a try and see the difference they can make in your tomato crop.