How to Make New Tomato Plants from Old Tomato Plants
Tomatoes are a beloved fruit that many people grow in their home gardens. However, maintaining a supply of fresh tomato plants can be a challenge. One way to continue growing tomatoes is to make new tomato plants from old tomato plants. Here's how you can do it:
1. Gather Supplies
To make new tomato plants from old tomato plants, you'll need a few supplies. You'll need a pot or container, potting soil, and scissors. Choose a container that's larger than the pot of the old tomato plant, and make sure it has drainage holes. You may also want to have rooting hormone on hand.
2. Harvest the Suckers
The first step is to harvest the suckers from the old tomato plant. Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches on a tomato plant. These suckers can be cut off with scissors or pruned with gardening shears. You can also use a sharp knife to cut the sucker from the plant.
3. Plant the Suckers
Once you've harvested the suckers, it's time to plant them in the container. Fill the container with potting soil, leaving a space near the top. Dip the end of the sucker in rooting hormone (if you have it), and then plant the sucker in the soil. Press the soil around the base of the sucker to help it stay in place. Water the plant thoroughly.
4. Care for the New Tomato Plants
After planting the suckers, you'll need to take care of the new tomato plants. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Place the container in a sunny spot, and rotate it regularly to promote even growth. You can also fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. As the plants grow, you may need to provide support with stakes or a tomato cage.
5. Harvest and Repeat
Once your new tomato plants have grown, you can harvest the fruit and enjoy it! To make new tomato plants from these plants, simply repeat the process. Harvest the suckers, plant them in a new container, and care for the plants as they grow. Soon you'll have a never-ending supply of fresh tomatoes from your own tomato plants.
In conclusion, making new tomato plants from old tomato plants is an easy and rewarding gardening project. By following these steps, you can continue to enjoy fresh tomato plants year after year.