Leggy Tomatoes? Why Burying Them Sideways Will Save Your Harvest (And Give You More Fruits)
This hack will even make your tomato plants more drought-tolerant
There are so many different ways to grow tomatoes. But, the latest idea I've found is ingenious if your tomatoes are looking tall, thin and floppy: you can grow tomatoes sideways to make them stronger.
It may sound a little strange at first because this method of growing tomatoes requires burying the tomato stem in a trench. Roots then grow from the buried leaf nodes, resulting in a stronger root system. It's the perfect solution to saving leggy or weak tomatoes, so you can still have a good harvest.
But, this method will only work if you use it in the right circumstances and manage it correctly. Here, we talk through how this tomato growing hack works.
Why Grow Tomatoes Sideways?
It's not uncommon for tomato plants to grow a little bit leggy and weak, either due to tomato growing mistakes or unpredictable weather. But, you can still save your harvest by using the method to grow tomatoes sideways.
'Planting tomatoes in a trench is an ideal solution if your plants have gotten a bit leggy, which happens regularly due to high temperatures or a lack of sunlight,' says Drew Swainston, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.
'Planting them sideways into a trench takes advantage of a clever trait tomatoes have: growing extra roots along the stem. A stronger overall root system means the plant can take in more water and nutrients, and you’ll get a sturdier and more drought-tolerant plant,' he explains.
But, it isn't as simple as burying your tomato plant. There is some careful preparation and management required to ensure you still harvest tomatoes this summer.
Drew has worked as a writer since 2008 and was also a professional gardener for many years. As a trained horticulturist, he worked in prestigious historic gardens, including Hanbury Hall and the world-famous Hidcote Manor Garden. He also spent time as a specialist kitchen gardener at Soho Farmhouse and Netherby Hall, where he grew vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers for restaurants. Drew has written for numerous print and online publications and is an allotment holder and garden blogger. He was shortlisted for the Digital Gardening Writer of the Year at the 2025 Garden Media Guild Awards.
How to Grow Tomatoes Sideways
To grow tomatoes sideways you first need to clean the stem by removing all the leaves, except those at the very top.
You should use clean and sharp pruning tools when doing this to ensure the plant stays healthy. These Fiskars pruning snips from Amazon are a reliable choice.
To actually plant the stem sideways, create a trench in your planting bed. You want it to be just 4-6" deep in nutrient-rich compost, accommodating the length of the stem.
Then, lay the stem down sideways and bury it, gently bending the top of the stem upwards so the leaves stick out above surface level. Make sure the existing root ball is covered.
'Don’t worry about the stem curving or bending; the plant will quickly find its way and start growing upwards towards the sun after planting,' says Drew.
Putting a support in place to help train the exposed part of the stem will encourage it to climb upwards. These bamboo stakes from Amazon work well, or you can use the tomato string method.
Water well to help it settle. In as little as 1-2 weeks, the buried leaf nodes will develop new roots.
'Sideways planting buries a large portion of the stem, and the tomato plant will respond to that by growing lots of roots along the buried section,' Drew explains.
As the bigger root system develops, your tomato plant will become more drought-tolerant, cope better with hot summer days, and will be less likely to become leggy.
Don't forget to continue pruning tomato plants when growing them like this. Removing side shoots (or 'suckers' which appear between the main stem and branches) helps redirect the plant's energy to fruiting, resulting in a bigger harvest.
What to Shop
This granular tomato feed provides nutrients for up to 3 months. It has an NPK ratio of 3-6-4, designed to support tomato growth.
These Fiskars pruning snips are ideal for tending to tomato plants. It has stainless steel blades for clean cuts
These tomato cages provide support for vining varieties, and provide protection from pests and diseases by keeping the fruit off the ground.
This is just one way to increase tomato yields if your tomato plant is struggling. Fertilizing your tomatoes with a high-potash feed (like this tomato fertilizer from Amazon) also supports flowering and fruit production.
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