How to Reroot a Tomato Plant

Tomatoes occupy a place of honor in many gardens across the country, partially due to their versatility and flavor and partially due to their ease of growing. These tender perennials are typically grown as annuals and produce juicy, red fruit by mid to late summer. Transplanting seedlings to the garden in late spring poses some risk of breaking the young stems. Fortunately all is not lost, as those broken stems can be rerooted to produce vigorous, healthy plants.

Things You'll Need

Sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Remove leaves from the bottom 2 to 4 inches of the broken stem.
- 2
  Recut the stem with a sharp knife to make a smooth, clean cut.
- 3
  Insert the stem into the soil in a prepared garden bed to a depth of 2 to 4 inches.
- 4
  Firm the soil around the stem with your hands to secure it in place.
- 5
  Water to saturate the soil to a depth of 4 inches.
- 6
  Keep the soil moist until new growth appears and roots are established. Check for roots by gently tugging on the stem of the tomato plant. If it resists your efforts, roots have formed.
- 7
  Reduce watering to once or twice a week when the soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface of the soil, as soon as the plant is established.

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