[purplebean]

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.

[DD.]

Seems a bit deep.

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

[SalJ1980]

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!      

[purplebean]

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!!

[Trillium]

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    so he doesn't have the problem many other folks do.  

[gobs]

Disagreeing, DD!  

I'm with Tril on this one.

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.

[SalJ1980]

Duly noted Gobs, thanks!  

[DD.]

I think DD's are highly regimented to not grow tall stems    so he doesn't have the problem many other folks do.  

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.

[DD.]

Disagreeing, DD!  

Disagreeing with what?

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!    

[gobs]

Oh no, I can't even disagree properly now. :shock:  

[SalJ1980]

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?  

And I'm guessing that the foil is to put behind the seedlings to reflect light all around?

[DD.]

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!

[SalJ1980]

And 10 out of 10 regarding the foil!

[Trillium]

... & some aluminium foil. But you knew that.

You bet! I bought shares  

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