How to Save Tomato Plants for Next Year

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable to grow in backyard gardens, and with good reason. These juicy and flavorful plants are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. However, when the growing season comes to an end, many gardeners are left wondering how to preserve their tomato plants for next year. Luckily, there are several methods for saving tomato plants that are simple and effective.

Harvest the Seeds

The first step in saving tomato plants for next year is to harvest the seeds. This can be done by cutting open a ripe tomato and scooping out the seeds. Place the seeds into a container and let them dry for a few days. Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container until they are ready to be planted next year. This method is best for heirloom or open-pollinated varieties, as hybrid varieties may not produce seeds that will grow true to the parent plant.

Store the Plants Indoors

To save an entire tomato plant, consider digging it up and bringing it indoors. Potted tomato plants can be moved inside and placed near a sunny window. If the plant is in the ground, carefully dig it up and transfer it to a large container filled with soil. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and water the plant regularly. With enough sunlight and water, the tomato plant can continue to grow indoors and produce fruit throughout the winter.

Take Cuttings

If you don't have the space to store a full tomato plant, taking cuttings is another option. Cut a stem from the tomato plant, making sure it has several leaves attached. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. The cutting should start to develop roots within a few weeks. Once the roots are established, transfer the new plant to a larger container or to the garden.

Bury the Stems

Another method for saving tomato plants is to bury the stem in the ground. Before the first frost, prune any unripe fruit from the plant and carefully dig up the entire plant. Remove any dead leaves and branches, and bury the remaining stem in a shallow trench in the ground. Cover the stem with soil and mulch, leaving a few leaves exposed. The buried stem will start to develop new roots over the winter, and the plant can be dug up and transplanted in the spring.

Conclusion

Preserving tomato plants for next year is a simple process that can be done with a few easy steps. Whether you choose to harvest the seeds, store the plants indoors, take cuttings, or bury the stems, there is a method that will work for your needs. With a little effort, you can enjoy delicious tomatoes year after year.