How to Plant Tomatoes Sideways: Forgot to Remove Leaves

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. It is not only flavorful and nutritious, but also easy to plant and cultivate. However, sometimes mistakes happen, and we forget to remove the lower leaves of our tomato plants before planting them. This can create problems later on as the plant grows taller and heavier. But don't worry, in this article, we will show you how to plant tomatoes sideways if you forgot to remove the leaves.

Why Should You Plant Tomatoes Sideways?

Planting tomatoes sideways is a useful technique for gardeners who want to maximize their harvest and address common issues, such as low soil quality, insufficient nutrients, and root diseases. When you plant your tomato plant sideways, the buried stem will develop additional roots that will help the plant anchor better in the soil, absorb more nutrients and moisture, and resist diseases. Moreover, the buried stem will produce more branches that will increase the yield and improve the fruit quality.

How to Plant Tomatoes Sideways

Here's how to plant tomatoes sideways if you forgot to remove the leaves:

Begin by preparing the soil. Choose a sunny and well-draining site for your tomato plant. Test the soil pH and amend it if necessary. Add compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to improve the soil structure and fertility.

Next, remove the leaves from the lower 1/3 to 1/2 of the tomato plant, leaving only the top foliage intact. You can use pruning shears or scissors to do this. Be careful not to damage the stem or leave any stubs that can attract pests or diseases.

Dig a planting hole that is deep enough to cover the stem up to the remaining foliage, but not deep enough to bury the foliage itself. The hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball to allow for proper growth and development.

Lay the tomato plant on its side in the planting hole, and gently bend the stem upwards so that the top foliage is still above the ground. Fill the hole with soil, making sure that the stem is covered with soil up to the remaining foliage, but not above it. Tamp down the soil gently to eliminate any air pockets and provide good contact between the roots and the soil.

Water the tomato plant immediately after planting to help settle the soil and moisten the roots. Continue to water regularly, preferably at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, to avoid wetting the foliage and encourage the development of strong roots.

Stake or cage the tomato plant to provide support as it grows taller and heavier. Use a sturdy and tall stake or cage that will keep the plant upright and prevent it from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit. Tie the stem loosely to the stake or cage with a soft material, such as twine or strips of t-shirt, to avoid abrasion or damage.

Tips for Growing Healthy and Productive Tomatoes

Now that you know how to plant tomatoes sideways if you forgot to remove the leaves, here are some extra tips to help you grow healthy and tasty tomatoes:

Choose disease-resistant tomato varieties that are adapted to your climate and soil conditions.

Feed your tomato plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the label and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Mulch your tomato plants with a layer of organic material, such as straw, hay, or shredded leaves, to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Prune your tomato plants selectively to remove any suckers, diseased or damaged leaves, and any branches that cross or shade each other. This will increase air circulation, light penetration, and fruit quality while reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful and delicious harvest of tomatoes, even if you forgot to remove the leaves before planting them. Happy gardening!