[DoubleDigger]

I was wondering how many folk grow Tomatoes from side-shoots ?

[GrannieAnnie]

I tried it once, but as I always have too many tomato plants, I never feel the need to plant the side shoots too!

[Willow_Warren]

I'm trying this year, not done it before though so won't be able to share the full experience until later in the summer

[DoubleDigger]

I wondered mainly because having read about folks struggling to find some of the varieties they want, I would imagine that with a bit of guile, you could "post" side shoots around the country for each other to try. Packed in a 'sandwich bag' with a some moist tissue & some 'air', I reckon they'd stay fresh enough for an 'early' post.

I do it so I can reduce the number of mature plants I am having to maintain without special conditions through late winter & the spring indoors.  I also do it so I can 'scrap' older plants as they get tired & have late plants in full production into November / December back in the Conservatory - if the season is kind.  But I only grow a couple of varieties which I know suit us, our conditions & the 'menu's we serve up at home, so I don't go in for dozens of types.

As for growing them, they root very easily & I find they can produce better than the parent plant....first trusses come much lower down the 'stem' & are often heavier with flowers & 'fruit'.  I did once read that they can be in fruit quicker than the 'parent' plant, but I have never tested that theory.   

[mumofstig]

I do  

I've had a few give up the ghost because of the weather so rooted some to take their place

[Gliitergirl]

I've tried it for the first time this year, and it seems to be working well. I've lost 1 plant from 12, which isn't too bad. They've all grown large enough to be transplanted into grow bags/large pots, so we''ll see what they produce in a few  months time!