How to Transplant Tomatoes to Ensure Strong, Productive Plants
Helen Chesnut shares expert advice on setting your tomato plants up for a successful crop. By burying the stem, you can transform weak, leggy seedlings into vigorous producers.
Q: I’ve transplanted most of my single-stem, staking tomatoes, except for a last few that have developed long stems that are not very sturdy. What is the best way to make sure they establish successfully?
A: Burying the stem when you plant solves the problem and creates a stronger plant at the same time. Before unpotting and planting the tomatoes, nip off the leaf stems growing from the main stems, leaving only the top tuft of leaves on each plant. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the length of each denuded stem, and insert the root ball and bare stem into the hole, with only the top foliage and a few centimetres of stem above ground. The denuded stem will sprout roots that will help to establish a strong and resilient, productive plant with a large root system. Before planting, be sure the soil has been well prepared with a nourishing compost, lime, and a slow-release fertilizer. Have supports in place, whether you are growing the single-stemmed vines on individual stakes or against a length of sturdy wire fencing.
Q: Several times in late winter and very early spring, I noticed drops of water at the tips of some of my split-leaf philodendron leaves. What might have caused this?
This is nothing to be concerned about. Drops of water appearing at leaf margins simply indicate that a plant is ridding itself of excess moisture. I noticed this on a leaf of one of my plants during dark, cold and rainy early spring weather. My house plant pots sit on long drainage trays, where a little water in the trays helps to boost humidity to the plants as it evaporates. That is a great help in homes where the air is warm and dry in winter, but too much humidity in the air can cause water droplets appearing at leaf margins, which can also be attributed to overwatering or a soil that drains slowly of excess moisture.
Additional Tips for Healthy Transplants
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Water deeply after transplanting to settle the soil.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
For more gardening advice, explore our latest articles on reducing heat stress on newly set out plants and the many types of snow peas with bicoloured flowers.
