Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be used in a wide variety of meals, from soups and pastas to salsas and chilis. If you consume a lot of tomatoes, growing your own could save you money and provide you with better flavor.
Planting a tomato plant may be the most traditional way to start your crop, but it’s not the only way. Check out these 4 ways you can have your own endless supply of your favorite fruit:
1. Bury Tomato Slices
Did you know that burying tomato slices can lead to a bountiful harvest? The Wannabe Homesteader offers a simple and low-cost solution. All you need is some potting soil, an overripe tomato, and a few pots.
Fill a large pot most of the way full with potting soil. Then add a few tomato slices (about 1/4 inch thick) on top. Make sure the slices you choose have plenty of seeds and cover them with just enough soil to bury them. Wait a week or two for them to sprout. ​
It takes about a week for the tomato seeds to germinate. You may get as many as 60 seedling sprouts in one pot! Look for about four or five of the biggest (strongest sprouts). Remove those sprouts and replant them in another pot.
Watch the new plants for a few weeks. You’ll likely notice that one or two of the plants seem to be growing bigger and stronger. Remove the other two plants to give your stronger plants more room to grow.
2. Plant Them in the Ground
If you have a large yard with plenty of sunlight, planting your tomatoes directly in the ground can increase your harvest significantly. Bonnie Plants claims that this approach also reduces the need for watering. However, keep in mind that deer and rabbits may enjoy munching on your garden, so you’ll need to take precautions.
3. Grow them in Window Box
If you live in a small space or just don’t have a large yard, you can still grow tomato plants by planting them in a window box. You’ll need to choose larger window boxes that can hold at least 1.5 gallons of dirt. You can use string trellis drilled into the wall to stabilize the plant. Choose smaller tomato types for this method.
4. Grow them in a Hanging Basket
If you’re worried about damaging your windowsill by hanging a heavy box from it, use a hanging basket instead of a pot on the porch. However, keep in mind that the plant will require more water than it would in a standard container since the water will evaporate more quickly. Try using a cascade cherry tomato variety, as suggested by DIY Network.
Growing your own tomatoes at home is an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy fresh, flavorful fruit throughout the year. Consider these strategies to ensure a never-ending supply of your favorite fruit.
Someone you know interested in trying their hand at tomato gardening?
