When I first started growing tomatoes, I followed every bit of advice I could find. But no matter how carefully I planted, watered, and fertilised, my harvests were… well, let’s just say “meh.” I was desperate for those lush, heavy-laden plants you see in garden magazines—the kind where every branch is dripping with plump, juicy fruit.
That’s when I stumbled upon a game-changing tip: plant tomatoes sideways or bury them deeply. At first, I was sceptical. I mean, planting a tomato sideways? It sounded downright odd. But let me tell you, once I gave it a try, my tomato plants went from struggling to thriving.
Now, it’s my go-to method, and I’m here to share why it works and how you can use it to supercharge your harvests.
Why Planting Sideways or Deeply Works
The secret lies in the tomato plant’s stems. Unlike most plants, tomato stems have the unique ability to grow roots wherever they come into contact with soil. The more roots a plant has, the better it can absorb nutrients and water—simple as that.
By planting sideways or deeply, you’re essentially creating a powerhouse root system. It gives the plant a stronger foundation, which means healthier growth and, ultimately, more tomatoes.
When I Tried Planting Sideways…
The first time I tried the sideways method, I honestly thought I was making a mistake. I laid the tomato seedling down horizontally in a trench, leaving just the top few inches poking out of the soil. It felt so unnatural.
But within a week, I could see the difference. The plant’s stem shot upward toward the sun, and the roots were working hard underground. By midsummer, that plant was a beast. It had thick, sturdy stems and was producing more tomatoes than I knew what to do with.
The Deep Planting Method
Another time, I tried burying a tomato seedling straight down into the soil. I dug a hole so deep it felt like I was planting a tree! Almost the entire stem went underground, leaving just a small tuft of leaves above the surface.
This method worked just as well as planting sideways. The deep roots anchored the plant firmly, even during windy storms, and it stayed hydrated longer during dry spells.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Sideways or Deeply
Want to try it for yourself? Here’s how to do it:
1. Pick the Right Seedlings
Start with healthy tomato seedlings that are at least 6–8 inches tall. Look for ones with strong stems and a good set of leaves.
2. Remove the Lower Leaves
Carefully snip off the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Only leave the top few leaves intact. This is crucial because any buried leaves will rot in the soil, which you definitely don’t want.
3. Prepare the Hole or Trench
- For Deep Planting: Dig a hole deep enough to bury most of the stem.
- For Sideways Planting: Dig a shallow trench that’s long enough to lay the seedling down horizontally.
4. Position the Plant
- Deep Method: Place the seedling straight down into the hole, backfilling gently with soil.
- Sideways Method: Lay the seedling down in the trench, bending the top part upward so it’s above the soil line.
5. Water Well
After planting, give the seedling a good soak to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
A Few Tips for Success
1. Warm Up the Soil
Tomatoes love warm soil, so if you’re planting early in the season, use black plastic or mulch to help heat things up. Cold soil will slow root development, no matter how well you plant.
2. Space Them Out
Don’t crowd your plants. Each tomato needs plenty of room to spread its roots and foliage. I aim for at least 2–3 feet between plants.
3. Support Your Plants
With all those roots, your plants will grow tall and heavy. Make sure to use sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises to keep them upright and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.
4. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, keeps the soil warm, and reduces weeds. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
My Results
The first year I planted tomatoes using these methods, I couldn’t believe the difference. My plants were enormous—like jungle enormous. And the harvest? It was almost overwhelming. I was giving tomatoes away to neighbours, making sauces, freezing batches for winter, and still had more left over.
What I love most about this technique is how forgiving it is. Even if your soil isn’t perfect or the weather throws you a curveball, the extra roots give your tomatoes the strength to thrive.
Why Everyone Should Try This
If you’ve been struggling to grow big, productive tomato plants, planting sideways or burying deeply might just be the trick you need. It’s simple, effective, and makes such a huge difference.
Every time I dig into my garden to plant a new batch of tomatoes, I think back to the years I didn’t know about this method. The missed potential! But now, I’m hooked—and I think you will be too.
So this year, ditch the shallow planting holes and give your tomatoes the root systems they deserve. You’ll be amazed at the results—and trust me, there’s nothing quite like a bumper crop of homegrown tomatoes. Happy planting!