How to Transplant Full Grown Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are easy to cultivate, produce numerous fruit, and have delicious flavor. But what do you do when your tomato plants get too big for their original spot? You need to transplant them into a larger space. Here's how to transplant full grown tomato plants:

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

Tomato plants should be transplanted when they are around six to eight inches tall, and have their second set of true leaves. It's best to transplant them on a slightly overcast day, or in the evening when the sun is not as strong. This will prevent them from becoming stressed and drying out as they adjust to their new environment.

Step 2: Prep the New Location

Before transplanting, prepare the spot where your tomato plants will be moved. Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole for each transplant that is deep enough to hold the plant up to the first set of leaves. Add a layer of compost or manure to the bottom of the hole to provide extra nutrients for the plant.

Step 3: Water the Tomato Plants

Water your tomato plants thoroughly the day before transplanting. This will help to reduce root disturbance, and make it easier to remove the plants from their original location. Be careful not to overwater your plants, as this can cause root rot and other issues.

Step 4: Gently Remove the Tomato Plants

When transplanting full grown tomato plants, it's important to be gentle with the plants as you remove them from their original location. Use a garden trowel or shovel to loosen the soil around the plant, and then gently lift the plant out of the ground, holding it by the stem. Be careful not to damage the roots.

Step 5: Place the Tomato Plants in the New Location

Put the tomato plant gently in the new hole and fill the space around the roots with soil. Hold the plant upright and ensure that the soil is firm around it. You can also add a stake or trellis to the planting hole at this point to help support the plant as it grows.

Step 6: Water the Tomato Plants Again

Water your newly transplanted tomato plants again to help them settle in their new location. Water them deeply, but avoid getting water on the leaves as this can promote disease. Be sure to water frequently in the first few weeks after transplanting, until the plants have established themselves.

Conclusion

Transplanting full grown tomato plants is easy with the right planning and care. By choosing the right time, prepping the new location, watering your plants beforehand, gently removing your plants, placing them in their new spot, and then watering them again, you can ensure that your tomato plants are healthy and happy. Get ready for a bountiful harvest!