What is Grafting and Why Graft Tomato Plants to Eggplants?

Grafting is a horticulture technique used to join different plant varieties to create one plant that has the best of both worlds. The rootstock of one plant is connected to the scion of another plant creating a hybrid. Grafting tomato plants to eggplants can create a plant that is resistant to certain diseases, pests and also produces two different types of plants on one stem. In this article, we will outline the steps to perform tomato plant grafting to eggplant.

Step-by-step Guide to Grafting Tomato Plants to Eggplants

The first step to grafting tomato plants to eggplants is to gather the necessary tools. You will need a sharp knife, grafting clips, wax, the eggplant and tomato seedlings, and rubbing alcohol. Sterilizing the knife and clips are important to prevent any diseases from spreading.

The next step is to select the tomato plant and eggplant seedlings. It is crucial to use seedlings of similar stem thickness for successful grafting. Choose young seedlings that are about 4 inches tall for easier handling.

Then, make a diagonal cut to create a slanting surface on both the rootstock and scion. The cut should match the seedling diameters, and the cut should be made above the cotyledons. Use rubbing alcohol on the knife between each cut.

Now, the tomato plant and eggplant seedling should be joined together. Place the rootstock of the tomato plant and the scion of the eggplant together so that they line up perfectly. Then, take a grafting clip, place it around the joint and tighten it with pliers.

Cover the grafting joint with wax to prevent infection, and then let the grafted plant grow in a greenhouse or protected environment for at least a week. After a week, inspect the joint to see if there is any sign of successful grafting.

Care for Grafted Tomato Plants to Eggplants

Once the tomato plant has successfully grafted to the eggplant, it is time to care for the plant. Keep the plant in a well-draining soil mix with good water retention. The plant must receive ample sunlight for growth.

Water the plant frequently, and make sure that the soil is moist but not overly wet. Fertilize regularly to ensure healthy growth, and prune the plant to one stem to encourage stronger growth.

Conclusion

Grafting tomato plants to eggplants is a useful technique that can yield many benefits. The technique creates strong plants that are resistant to diseases, pests and also creates two different types of vegetables on one stem. With this step-by-step guide, you can now graft tomato plants to eggplants with ease. Remember to care for the grafted plant and enjoy your two-in-one vegetable harvest.