Tomatoes should be planted very deep—about two-thirds of the plant, including the root ball, should be buried underground. For example, if your tomato plant is 10 inches tall, bury all but the top 3 to 4 inches. This deep planting encourages the development of additional roots along the buried stem, which results in a stronger root system and sturdier plant that can support more fruit and better withstand heat
. To plant tomatoes deep:
- Dig a hole about two-thirds the height of the plant.
- Optionally, pinch off the lower branches on the portion to be buried.
- Place the plant in the hole, burying the stem up to the top two or three sets of leaves.
- Fill in the hole and water well.
If you don’t have deep soil, you can dig a trench about 6 to 8 inches deep and lay the plant sideways, gently bending the top end upward so the growing tip remains above ground, then cover with soil
. This method is supported by both gardening experience and some scientific studies, showing benefits such as earlier harvests, increased yield, and better plant stability
. In summary, plant tomatoes deep enough so that only the top few inches of the plant remain above soil, which promotes stronger root growth and healthier plants overall
