[jambop]

I have just started to plant out my tomatoes today and they are very spindly compared to last year do the plants tend to bulk up a bit after they have their feet in the ground? I put them in anyway twenty plants today will get the others in tomorrow. Planting out time here loads of different stuff to get into the ground.

[mjg000]

I think the general advice on here has been to get as much of the stem underground as possible so that the stem creates more root and holds the tomato more firmly in the ground.  someone suggested laying it on the ground and gently folding the part you wanted above ground into a vertical position.

[TheWhiteRabbit]

Yes, they do tend to bulk up. Mine are probably about 1cm thick at the moment and usually get to 2cm thick when they're fully grown. I tend to support mine when they get to 2 foot high as they're definitely getting a bit gangly by that point.

[Goosegirl]

I think the general advice on here has been to get as much of the stem underground as possible so that the stem creates more root and holds the tomato more firmly in the ground.  someone suggested laying it on the ground and gently folding the part you wanted above ground into a vertical position.

That was Growster and so it should work just fine.

[Dave NE]

If you lay them out in a trench and leave the growing tip above ground they will naturally turn up to the light and you will not snap any tips off, then grow  as normal, Dave

[jambop]

I have adopted what some gardeners do down here. They plant them below the soil level then ridge the soil up against the  bottom of the stem. Looks like they are planted in a potato patch.

[Growster...]

I think the general advice on here has been to get as much of the stem underground as possible so that the stem creates more root and holds the tomato more firmly in the ground.  someone suggested laying it on the ground and gently folding the part you wanted above ground into a vertical position.

That was Growster and so it should work just fine.

Yup Goosey, did some today in 10" pots, and buried them as far as I could but if they were in open ground, (which some will), they'd be laid and bent - and none of your jokes please  ;0)

[Goosegirl]

Ah - that has answered my problem about what size pots to grow some toms in because I have run out of space in my GH bed. This is not a joking matter Mr. G. and as if I would do so about such a serious matter!  All I can say is if you - no - I will be well put on the Norty Step!