Tomatoes are incredibly versatile, adding fresh flavor to everything from soups and pastas to salsas and chilis.If you eat them often, growing your own can not only save you money but also reward you with richer, fresher taste. While starting with a tomato seedling is the most common method, it’s far from the only way to begin your harvest. Below are four clever strategies to keep your favorite fruit coming back season after season.
1. Bury tomato slices
That’s right—no mistake here. The Wannabe Homesteader has shared an easy, budget-friendly method for growing tomatoes. All you need is an overripe tomato, some potting soil, and a few containers.
Start by filling a large container with potting soil until it’s nearly full. Then, place a few thin slices of tomato—preferably ones loaded with seeds—on top of the soil. Cover them lightly with just enough dirt to hide them but not so much that it hinders sprouting. In about one to two weeks, you should see the first signs of growth.
Tomato seeds typically take about a week to germinate, and with the right setup, you can grow up to 60 seedlings in a single container. Once they sprout, identify the four or five strongest seedlings and transplant them into separate containers or garden spots. Check on your young plants every couple of weeks, and watch for those that grow stronger and healthier than the rest. Thin out the weaker ones to give the hardiest plants room to thrive.
2. Plant Them in the Ground
If you have a sunny yard with plenty of space, planting tomatoes directly in the ground can dramatically boost your harvest. According to Bonnie Plants, this method can also reduce how often you need to water. Just keep in mind—deer and rabbits love tomato plants, so you’ll need to protect your garden with fencing or other deterrents.
3. Grow Them in a Window Box
Even with limited space, tomatoes can flourish in a window box. Choose a container that holds at least 1.5 liters of soil, and use a string trellis secured to the wall for support. For best results, stick to smaller tomato varieties that adapt well to compact growing conditions.
4. Grow Them in a Hanging Basket
Worried about damaging your windowsill with the weight of a planter box? A hanging basket can be a great alternative. Instead of placing a pot on your porch, simply suspend a basket in a sunny spot. Keep in mind that hanging baskets tend to dry out faster than standard containers, so your plants will need more frequent watering. The DIY Network recommends using a cascading cherry tomato variety for this method, as it grows beautifully and thrives in a hanging display.
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