Experimenting with Tomato Transplanting: Which Method Wins?
Hey garden enthusiasts! Kevin here from Epic Gardening, and today we’re diving into a question that has intrigued many: What’s the best way to transplant tomatoes? We’re testing three popular methods using Cherokee Carbon tomatoes, all started from seed and as similar as possible.
Method 1: Burying Deep
First up is the deep planting method. Tomatoes can develop roots along their stems, so the idea is to bury them deep to encourage robust root growth. I trimmed the lower leaves and carefully planted the tomato deep in the soil, aiming to maximize root development. I affectionately named this one Titanic for its depth!
Method 2: Surface Level Planting
Next, we have the classic method: planting at the same level as in the pot. No pruning here! I’ll keep this one simple—just loosen the roots a bit and plant it at surface level. This tomato is named John, representing straightforward and reliable planting.
Method 3: Laying on its Side (Trench Method)
Finally, we’re trying the less conventional laying-on-its-side method. This involves digging a trench, placing the tomato at an angle, and bending the stem slightly. I called this one Clown because it seems a bit quirky! While I don’t fully grasp the logic behind this method, I’m excited to see how it performs.
A Few Weeks Later…
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and we’re back for a check-in!
- Titanic (Deep Bury): This plant is starting to flower, which seems early for this time of year.
- John (Surface Level): It’s the tallest of the bunch and looks healthy, with a decent number of developing fruits.
- Clown (Trench): Some curled leaves are a concern, but it’s also showing flower clusters.
Interestingly, John appears to have the most fruit and the best overall growth so far. However, Clown seems to be catching up!
The Final Showdown
After weeks of growth, it’s time to analyze the results.
- Height: John is the tallest, followed by Clown, with Titanic lagging slightly behind.
- Fruit Count: John has the highest number of developing fruits, followed by Titanic and Clown.
Root Systems Revealed
Digging into the root systems:
- John: Solid, healthy roots fanning out.
- Titanic: Surprisingly less root development along the buried stem.
- Clown: Extensive root growth, particularly in the trenched area, indicating a successful adaptation.
Conclusion
Overall, while John’s surface-level method yielded the tallest and most productive plant, Clown’s trench method surprised me with strong root growth. Titanic, while having fewer fruits, still holds its own.
What do you think about these results? Which method do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below! Happy gardening! 🌱🍅