Look at this tomato plant I just brought home. The poor thing flops right over in that tiny pot.
But I know a trick.
If you want strong, healthy, non-floppy tomatoes, you must plant them sideways.
By taking off the bottom leaves and planting as much of the stem as possible, you encourage the plant to root all along the buried stem. More roots over a wider area provide needed stability for these vines.
I should clarify here that you can also dig a really deep hole and bury the stem all the way up to the leaves.
But that's more work. We all know I'm lazy.
And if you're worried about the leaves touching the soil, or the plant actually growing sideways, don't. I planted these the day before, and they've already turned upright. Leaves worship the sun, and will follow it anywhere.
There is nothing better than home-grown tomatoes.
Does anyone have any tricks for keeping tall tomato plants upright and contained? I've tried tomato cages, bamboo stakes...by mid-summer, they're always out of control!
