How to Plant Tomatoes Sideways

Are you tired of constantly having to stake your tomato plants and worrying about them toppling over in windy weather? Planting your tomatoes sideways might be the solution you've been searching for! Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Choose Your Tomato Variety

Not all tomato varieties are ideal for sideways planting. Look for determinate varieties, as they tend to have a bushier growth habit and will produce more fruit in a smaller area. Indeterminate varieties, on the other hand, tend to grow more vertically and can become too tall for sideways planting.

Step 2: Prepare the Planting Area

Choose a planting area that gets plenty of sun and has well-draining soil. Remove any weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Work in some compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and texture.

Step 3: Dig a Trench

Instead of digging a hole for your tomato plant, dig a trench about 6-8 inches deep. The length of the trench will depend on how many tomato plants you plan to plant. If you're planting multiple tomatoes in one trench, space them about 2-3 feet apart.

Step 4: Lay the Tomato Plant Sideways

Gently remove the tomato plant from its container and lay it on its side in the trench. If the plant is too tall for the trench, you can gently bend the top part of the stem upward so that it's sticking out of the soil at a 90-degree angle to the base of the plant. Cover the stem with soil, leaving the top part of the plant exposed.

Step 5: Water and Fertilize

Water the tomato plant well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Step 6: Support the Plant

As the tomato plant grows, it will need support to keep it from sprawling on the ground. You can stake the plant or use a tomato cage, making sure to place it over the top of the plant and secure it into the ground. Be sure to adjust the support as the plant grows taller.

Conclusion

Planting tomatoes sideways can help you grow a healthier, fuller plant with less risk of toppling over in windy weather. Follow these simple steps to get started, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown tomatoes!