Tomato time! Bury the stems for bigger harvests!
Tomatoes are a beloved staple in Canadian gardens, and for good reason. Whether you're growing juicy beefsteaks, sweet cherry tomatoes, or rich plum varieties, few things compare to the flavour of a homegrown tomato picked fresh from the vine. But if you’re aiming for a bumper crop this summer, here’s a garden tip that can make a world of difference: when planting your tomatoes, bury the stem deeper than the root ball. This simple step encourages the development of additional roots along the buried stem, resulting in stronger, more vigorous plants with higher yields.
Why bury the tomato stem?
Tomato plants are unique in that their stems are capable of producing roots wherever they come into contact with soil. These are called adventitious roots, and they provide the plant with greater stability and access to water and nutrients. By burying part of the stem, you're giving your tomato plant a head start by allowing it to develop a larger, more robust root system early on. This added root mass helps the plant better withstand hot, dry weather and supports healthy fruit development throughout the growing season.
How to bury tomato stems
Start with healthy tomato seedlings that are about 15–30 cm tall. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving a few sets of healthy leaves at the top. When digging your hole (or trench), aim to bury at least two-thirds of the plant. You can dig straight down or lay the plant on its side in a trench, gently curving the top portion upward so it can grow vertically. Don’t worry if the stem bends slightly; it will naturally straighten as it grows toward the sun.
Once the stem is in place, backfill with soil and gently firm it down to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to help the plant settle in and to encourage root formation. Over the next few weeks, the buried portion of the stem will begin producing a network of roots, anchoring the plant and improving its ability to uptake nutrients.
Additional tips for Tomato success
- Choose the Right Spot: Tomatoes need full sun—at least six to eight hours per day—to thrive. Pick a sunny, sheltered location with well-draining soil.
- Add Compost: Mix plenty of compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from nutrient-rich soil.
- Support Your Plants: Use cages, stakes, or trellises to support growing plants. This improves air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and keeps fruit off the ground.
- Water Wisely: Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting. Try to avoid wetting the leaves, as this can encourage fungal diseases. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune for Productivity: Remove suckers—the small shoots that grow in the leaf axils—to direct the plant’s energy toward fruit production.
Get a bigger tomato harvest
Burying the stem of your tomato plants may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most effective ways to give your crop a strong foundation. In the diverse climates across Canada—from the warm Okanagan Valley to the coastal gardens of Nova Scotia—this planting technique has helped countless gardeners grow thriving tomato plants.
So the next time you head out to the garden with your tomato seedlings, don’t just plop them into the ground. Give them a deep start and watch them flourish all summer long. Happy planting, and may your harvest be juicy, abundant, and absolutely delicious!
