Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: purplebean on June 05, 2008, 13:14

Title: Just how deep
Post by: purplebean on June 05, 2008, 13:14
can I plant my toms?

I will be putting some in big buckets at the weekend and wondered if I can bury 6 inches of stem? I've only ever planted them 1-2 inches deep before.
Title: Just how deep
Post by: DD. on June 05, 2008, 13:18
Seems a bit deep.

I usually only go about an inch or so below the current soil level. Depends how big they are.
Title: Just how deep
Post by: SalJ1980 on June 05, 2008, 13:22
I read in a few places that they'd grow best if you pinched off the lowest set of leaves and then planted them deeper (so the new lowest set are just above the compost, soil etc), they will apparently put out more roots from where you've taken the leaves off and develop a stronger root system. So this is what I've done. BUT:

This is my first time growing anything and I have no idea if that's true or not!  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Just how deep
Post by: purplebean on June 05, 2008, 15:20
Quote from: "DD."
Seems a bit deep.

I usually only go about an inch or so below the current soil level. Depends how big they are.


I thought it might be a bit deep which was why I asked. They have fairly thick strong stems but are a little tall. I've made a note in my diary to sow them later next year!!
Title: Just how deep
Post by: Trillium on June 05, 2008, 15:55
If they're that leggy, then you can plant up to 6" deeper. They'll still put out roots. Ever notice that when a tom branch leans onto the ground that it will start to root almost immediately? They really love to grow and propogate. I think DD's are highly regimented to not grow tall stems  :wink:  so he doesn't have the problem many other folks do.  :D
Title: Just how deep
Post by: gobs on June 05, 2008, 16:26
Disagreeing, DD! :lol:  :lol:

I'm with Tril on this one. 8)

It's not where the leaves were, Sal, it's quite all along the stem, if you have a close look and feel, there are small bumps here and there, dormant buds, from where roots can form, that's the natural way of extra support they have if you let them sprawl.
Title: Just how deep
Post by: SalJ1980 on June 05, 2008, 16:28
Duly noted Gobs, thanks!  :D
Title: Just how deep
Post by: DD. on June 05, 2008, 17:09
Quote from: "Trillium"
I think DD's are highly regimented to not grow tall stems  :wink:  so he doesn't have the problem many other folks do.  :D


You're right. It's quite simply not allowed!

All that's needed is a bit of reserve when it comes to sowing & some aluminium foil.

But you knew that.
Title: Just how deep
Post by: DD. on June 05, 2008, 17:59
Quote from: "gobs"
Disagreeing, DD! :lol:  :lol:



Disagreeing with what?

Quote from: "DD."
Seems a bit deep.

I usually only go about an inch or so below the current soil level. Depends how big they are.


It does seem a bit deep to me.

I do go only an inch or so below current level.

You cannot disagree with that! :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Just how deep
Post by: gobs on June 05, 2008, 18:30
Oh no, I can't even disagree properly now. :shock:  :lol:
Title: Just how deep
Post by: SalJ1980 on June 05, 2008, 18:40
Quote from: "DD."
All that's needed is a bit of reserve when it comes to sowing & some aluminium foil.

But you knew that.


Umm...no I didn't! Not even sure what you mean by reserve :oops:  ...do you mean not sowing so many seeds I end up with 40-odd tomato plants?  :lol:

And I'm guessing that the foil is to put behind the seedlings to reflect light all around?
Title: Just how deep
Post by: DD. on June 05, 2008, 20:47
You can never have too many tomatoes - you can make lots of friends.  Reserve - as in holding back & not sowing too early, I know we all get a bit itchy when sowing time approaches!

And 10 out of 10 regarding the foil!
Title: Just how deep
Post by: SalJ1980 on June 05, 2008, 20:57
Quote from: "DD."
And 10 out of 10 regarding the foil!


(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/dance017.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org)
Title: Just how deep
Post by: Trillium on June 05, 2008, 22:28
Quote from: "DD."
... & some aluminium foil. But you knew that.


You bet! I bought shares  :wink:

And my last count was 59 tom plants, all home started.