If you live in climates that stay warm longer than average, you may not have to let go of growing tomatoes quite as soon as you think. The process of layering tomatoes allows you to extend the tomato growing season. In this article we we learn how to root tomato cuttings and layer tomato plants.

What is Tomato Layering?

Tomato layering is the process of rooting a tomato stem while it is still on the host plant before cutting it away and planting it on its own. While it sounds a little scientific, the process happens in nature all the time.

The basic concept behind layering a tomato plant is simple:

1. Find a healthy, low lying stem on a well-established tomato plant.
2. Trim the stem of leaves and blooms for 8″-12″ along the span of the stem.
3. Break up the soil beneath the tomato stem you are working with and press the stem section down to the ground, covering it with soil.
4. Place a small rock or other weight atop the stem to hold it in place.
5. Water well.

You can also use a shallow planter or pot filled with rich garden soil placed on the ground underneath the plant as is illustrated in the photo above, or even get creative as shown to the right and tie a plastic bag filled with moist garden soil around the exposed area of stem of the tomato that you want to root.

How to root tomato cuttings

1. Clip a piece of tomato plant approximately 6″ long with healthy growth.
2. Trim all but the top two leaves away from the stem.
3. Plant the cutting at least 4″ deep in a pot of clean, moist garden soil.

It is important when rooting tomato cuttings to keep the fresh cuttings warm but out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks. Gradually expose them to more sun until they are in full sun again.  Tomato cuttings of this nature will be ready for transplant in about three weeks.

Whether you are layering tomatoes or rooting tomato cuttings, you can double your harvest without spending any extra cash using these tried and true methods.