How Deep to Plant Grafted Tomatoes

Grafted tomatoes have become increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers alike because they offer several benefits over traditional tomato plants. Grafted tomatoes exhibit improved disease resistance, increased productivity, and often have a more substantial root system than their ungrafted counterparts. However, knowing how deep to plant grafted tomatoes can be a bit tricky, as it requires a slight deviation from the traditional planting method. In this article, we'll explore why and how deep to plant grafted tomatoes.

Why Planting Depth Matters for Grafted Tomatoes

Planting depth is crucial for all types of plants, as it directly affects their ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. When it comes to grafted tomatoes, planting depth becomes particularly important because of the graft union, which is the point where the scion and rootstock were joined together. If the graft union isn't planted deep enough, the scion can dry out, and the plant will fail to thrive.

How Deep to Plant Grafted Tomatoes

The general rule of thumb for planting grafted tomatoes is to place the graft union several inches below the soil line. Specifically, you should bury the graft union, including the rootstock, 2-4 inches below the soil surface, depending on the size of the plant. If the plant is shorter or has a smaller root system, plant it shallower, while larger plants with stronger root systems should be planted deeper into the soil.

When planting grafted tomatoes, it's essential to make sure that the graft union is entirely covered with soil to avoid any exposure to air, wind, or sunlight. The best way to achieve this is to dig a hole that's deep enough for the entire root system, then backfill with soil and pack it firmly around the base of the plant. If done properly, the soil should be level with the surrounding ground, and the graft union should be invisible.

Benefits of Planting Grafted Tomatoes Deep

Planting grafted tomatoes deep offers several advantages. Firstly, burying the graft union below the soil line protects it from any damage, ensuring that the plant can thrive. Secondly, planting grafted tomatoes deep encourages them to develop a stronger root system, enabling them to take up more water and nutrients from the soil. Finally, burying the graft union deep also promotes a healthy and sturdy stem, which is essential to support heavy tomato fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to plant grafted tomatoes deeper than ungrafted tomatoes?

Yes, you do. Grafted tomatoes require deeper planting to ensure that the graft union is buried and protected from any damage. Ungrafted tomatoes, on the other hand, can be planted at soil level without any issues.

What happens if I plant grafted tomatoes too shallow?

If you plant your grafted tomatoes too shallow, the scion will be exposed to the elements and will dry out, leading to a weakened or dead plant.

Can I plant grafted tomatoes deeper than 4 inches?

No, you should avoid planting grafted tomatoes deeper than 4 inches. Doing so can lead to waterlogging, which can suffocate the roots and cause root rot.

Conclusion

Grafted tomatoes are an excellent addition to any garden, and they provide a natural solution to many of the problems that plague traditional tomato plants. However, planting them requires a bit of know-how, especially when it comes to planting depth. By planting grafted tomatoes deep and burying the graft union, you can ensure that your plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. So, don't be afraid to dig a little deeper and try something new this year!