Tomato Root Growth

Planting

• Tomatoes have a remarkable ability to grow roots along their stems. If you dig a shallow trench in well-drained soil and plant the seedlings lying on their sides, they will add extra roots along the stems and increase the volume of the root systems. The stem above the ground will turn up naturally.

Watering

• Avoid watering too often. Tomato plants have a tendency to develop weak, shallow root systems when watered lightly so that only the top few inches of soil absorbs water. Tomatoes need to be watered deeply as often as necessary to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Water the base of the plants with a soaker hose or open hose. Don't spray the leaves while watering. Wet foliage can cause fungal infections, insect problems and disease, so keep the plants as dry as possible and space them so they get proper air ventilation.

Temperature

• Time the transplant of seedlings so that the danger of frost is past and the soil warmed to a steady 60 degrees. Warm soil is essential to root growth. Night temperatures must be a minimum of 55 degrees or blossom drop will occur. To produce fruit, temperatures at some time during the day must be less than 95 degrees. Cold weather in the late spring can cause blossom malformation. High heat early in the growing season can cause blossoms to wilt and tomatoes to split.

Fertilization

• Once the new seedlings are established, fertilize every week to 10 days with a tomato-specific fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions. Do not over-fertilize or use fertilizers with urea or ammonium nitrate, which stimulates vine growth and encourages shallow root growth at the expense of fruit production. Tomato plants need only a small amount of nitrogen.

Roots and Fruits

• Phosphorous promotes a strong, healthy root system as well as improving blossom production and fruit setting. Tomato plants also need potasium during fruiting to promote fruit growth and support the health of the plant. Fruit production leeches potassium and calcium from the foliage and weakens the stems, so a deep root system is essential to restoring lost potassium and calcium to the plant. Some gardeners plant banana peels in the hole around the tomato seedling roots. As the peel rots, it begins to release extra potassium and calcium into the soil during fruit production. An 8-32-16 or 6-24-24 fertilizer is best.