Transplanting one that's already in-ground

14 years ago

About 6-8 weeks ago, I transplanted a WalMart seedling of cherry toms, not realizing that it was double-planted. I had only bought that plant because it was one of the healthiest ones there that day, even though I don't particularly care for cherries. I decided to go ahead and grow the 2 vines as they were, mainly for an experiment to see what would happen, as the cherry was the most expendible to me. They're now a couple feet tall and bearing tiny green fruit.

I conversed with an acquaintance last night who just LOVES them things. I'm thinking now that, if I can do it without killing it, I might pull up one out of my double to give to him. How is this done, if at all? I'm thinking I can use a shovel or trowel to make a semi-circle incision into the soil about 8" to 12" from the base of the chosen stem, loosen that side of the root ball, then holding that loosened chunk of soil with one hand while holding the base of the stem with the other, and pull.

Now, I did a very newbie thing when I put this into the ground in the first place, and in my defense, it was before I started my reading for info on tomato growing. I planted it over the concrete topper of my septic tank, and there's probably less than a foot of soil, so these roots have not gone deep, so I imagine that the roots will grow more laterally to compensate. If this is the case, will I need to cut further from the base to include more root, or will the cut roots simply re-grow once introduced into new soil. I'm limited on containers, but I have a rubber dishpan that's 12" W, 14" L and 7" deep that I grew a tom in last year, and I think that's probably the best choice for handling the lateral roots.

So, whaddya all think? Is it doable? If I have a waiting container with some well-draining potting soil, is that enough to sustain the plant until he decides what he wants to do with it? Will my remaining plant suffer much (I don't mean emotionally)? It will probably be several days before I see him to find out if he can even keep a plant (I don't know where he lives or his living situation). Will the fruit that's already set die and drop, or will the ripening simply be delayed a bit?

Who's done this before?

Thanks,

Joyce

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Comments (6)

digdirt2
14 years ago
I honestly can't recommend that you do this. Your choice of course but you risk losing both plants. Not only is there the damage to the roots but plants that are that size and have fruit simply don't tolerate transplanting at all well.

As an alternative just buy him another plant or why not just root a sucker off one of the plants for your friend. Lots of posts here on how to do that - just search 'rooting suckers' - and that way you'll have one to give him in a week to 10 days while he plans what to do with it.

Dave
yardenman
14 years ago
It is easy actually. Just snip off one of the plants and stick the stem in moist soil. It will root just fine and grow rapidly. Tomatoes are willing rooters. Don't use a fruiting stem though.
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avajay
Original Author
14 years ago
Yardenman, now when you say snip off one of the plants, then say don't use a fruiting stem, what do you mean? Both plants have some clusters of fruit. Not loads, but a few, I'd have to go outside to count. Snipping off a plant qualifies as using a fruiting stem, no? For whatever reason you say this, and I think I know, would I just choose the plant with the fewest clusters and flowers for the transfer, and REMOVE THE FRUIT and flowers? If so, what is the reasoning behind that? The plant needs to concentrate its effort on repairing and rebuilding roots? I seem to recall reading that a clone needs to have its flowers removed for propagation, but I don't think a clear supporting reason was given.
tsheets
14 years ago
I think what he's saying is to use a growth tip that hasn't set blooms yet. Leaf stems won't work. The best thing would be a sucker shoot that doesn't have any blooms yet. That, or you could just give your friend some tomatoes when they're ripe and be ready for a cooperative effort next year. :-)
chestnutpatrick
14 years ago
I am going to transplant about 10 plants tomorrow morning. These plants are under attack and have been chewed on by deer. If I leave them in the current location the will never make it to more than 12 inches. Moving them to a 'busier' part of our property will deter the animals. The deer eat the leaves and leave the fruit on the ground. Wish me luck.

PC
garystpaul
14 years ago
Given all that you've said and what's been said by others, I say: go for it and see what happens. In my experience, tomatoes are full of desire. Once you've done the dirty deed, put a newspaper tent over the transplant, especially if you have hot, sunny conditions. Water well, of course. GaryStPaul

Transplanting one that's already in-ground

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Transplanting one that's already in-ground

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digdirt2

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