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Most of us know that tomatoes like heat and that is why in the spring we need to make sure that when we plant our seedlings it is on a 70 degree day or hotter because any cooler than 70 degrees it will actually stunt their growth. People always ask my “how do you get tomatoes so early” and “I reply get heat to the roots” I am working on a post to deal with cold spells after planting.

Here we go.

This year I took 3 seedlings that looks as close in size and shape as possible. I planted one by digging a hole and placing it in the hole pushing dirt part way up the stem to make the root ball about 6” below the surface (this is what the typical gardener does).

The second seedling I dug a trench the depth of the root ball, removed all but the top stems of the seedling, carefully bending the main stem and laying the root ball and as much of the stem in the trench leaving only a few inches of the top of the seedling above ground. This way the entire root ball and stem were only 3” below the surface in a 6” trench instead of 6’ deep like the first.

With the third seedling I have been asked many times about these Topsy Turvy planters that you pop the seedling in the bottom and watch them grow. Now this method is not in my brain as anything that is useful but the local market had them for $5.00 so I did it and purchased 2 of them.

My findings: much to my surprise the #2 (the trench method) way is the one I have always use because not only do you get better heat to the roots but the stem that is under ground also produces roots to better deliver water and nutrition to the plant. I have always produced a crop 2 – 3 weeks earlier that many do that just pop the root ball in the ground (#1 method).

Now to my surprise the Topsy Turvy planter has already produced a pick able crop and the #2 trench method is still a few weeks from picking.  Get heat to the roots are the key to a great tomato and the Topsy Turvy planter is a great way for someone that has very little space to have great tomatoes. For those that have larger gardens I recommend the trench method and I know it takes a bit more time to plant but the early produce and great tasting tomato will make it worth it.

Until next time

Happy gardening