Planting Tomato plants in trench tip

[Mike CHS]

I like to plant my tomatoes flat in a trench in spring since the ground surface is warmer and the plant will grow roots the full length that is in the ground. The problem is that when you bend the plant to get the upper part upright you can easily break the plant. You avoid that by having the top of the plant at 90 degrees to the base.

The day before I plan to plant I place the plants on their side and they will start turning toward the sun almost immediately. The one plant where they are horizontal was when they were just turned over. The other picture on the cement wall is 4 hours later. By the time I plant tomorrow they will be at 90 degrees to the cups they are in.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Good tip - they really do take off fast when you plant them that way!

 

[Mike CHS]

And here are the plants ready to go into the ground.

 

[Bruce]

Very clever Mike! When I've had "too tall" tomatoes to plant I've "slanted" them so the angle at the surface isn't severe. But your way they naturally bend themselves.

 

[Mike CHS]

My Grandpa taught me that when I was a young boy and that has been awhile.

 

[Bruce]

What? You are 39, right Mike?

 

[Mike CHS]

yep - 39 at least 28 times.

 

[animalmom]

You are just a spring chicken young man!