Why Am I Planting 2/3 of My Tomato Plant?

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cue_chik Palm Coast, FL(Zone 9a) Apr 14, 2009

This past weekend, I bought a tomato plant form Lowe's called 'Better Bush". When I got it home and read the instructions, it said to plant it so that two thirds of the stem inground, remaining one third above ground. Please tell me why I just buried 2/3 of my pretty tomato plant? LOL. it just doesnt seem right, but I was following directions.

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dreaves Hutto, TX(Zone 8b) Apr 14, 2009

Tomatoes will grow roots from the stem if they are planted deeply. By planting 2/3rds of the plant, you are helping your plant to develop a better, stronger root system,

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cue_chik Palm Coast, FL(Zone 9a) Apr 14, 2009

Ahhh... ok, got it. So, I'm not going to accidentally kill it. Great! Thanks for the info. was wondering if I should dig it up and replant, but if a stronger root system is what will develop, I think it best to leave it where its at.

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june_nmexico Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 14, 2009

I questioned that last year when I planted my first tomatoes, but
it's exactly the right way to do it. I got very sturdy plants and the
deep root systems helped them withstand our periodic high
winds.

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HoneybeeNC Charlotte, NC(Zone 7b) Apr 14, 2009

cue-chick - I assume you removed all the lower leaves, if not you might want to fish around in the soil and remove them. Don't know what leaving them on would do, but I always remove the lower leaves and bury the stem as deep as possible. I think it will be warm enough this week to actually begin planting tomatoes here!

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june_nmexico Albuquerque, NM(Zone 7a) Apr 14, 2009

I "forgot" to remove lower leaves last year but had no problems.
The buried stems may sprout roots faster without the leaves so
will remember to do that this time.

We can't safely plant here until mid-May. Last year we had a freeze
in May!

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drivenbonkers Perth,, ON(Zone 5a) Apr 14, 2009

when I plant out the tomatoes, I remove most of the leaves, leaving only the upper couple or three. Instead of planting in a hole, I dig a trench a couple of inches deep. The root and stem are laid in the bottom of the trench, and covered over, leaving only the top couple leaves above ground.

this treatment allows the tomato roots to remain warm. It's amazing the amount of roots on the buried stem when the plants get pulled up.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Apr 14, 2009

Like this.

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