What the heck is on my Topsy Turvey Tomatoes (Pics)

[desertgirl]

Ummmm-why does it look like there are bubbles under the surface of my tomato plants? Anyone know what this is?:/

 

[vfem]

I'm not sure what this is... but I have seen it on pretty much all my tomato plants!

I read on another forum that on the stem, closer to the base that those bumps are the plant trying to develop more roots?!

Best guess I got!

 

[Catalina]

That's normal! It's caused by a hormone in the tomato. They are called root initials - places where the tomato is trying to make additional roots.

Some people say they are caused by root damage and the plant trying to compensate by growing extra roots, but I've never seen a tomato plant without them so I don't know if that's true.

 

[desertgirl]

Well that is a relief! The plant seems really happy, growing like mad and lots of flowering. But I was beginning to think it was a case of "the invasion of the tomato snatchers"". Looks kind of nasty...

 

[Reinbeau]

Yep, they are always there, and if the stem touches the soil at that point you'll get more roots - always a plus with tomatoes, a nice big honkin' rootsystem equals lots of 'maters!

 

[chills]

desertgirl - too funny, i looked at mine today and i think they are still to young i didnt see any yet ..

Reinbeau - is this for when you plant the tomato plant lower than the dirt line and then fill in the dip over time with more dirt i think making a small hill around the neck of the plant .. stronger roots = more goodies??
just curious thanks

 

[Catalina]

I use the trench method of planting tomatoes.
It utilizes all those root initals!

In trench planting, you simply pinch off all the lower leaves of the tomato plant and lay the whole plant in a shallow trench horizontally. Then cover the tomato stem with 2-3 inches of soil, leaving just the top cluster of leaves above the soil.

The advantages of trench planting is that the tomato plant will form additional roots all along the stem portion that is buried. The tomato plant will be able to take up more water and nutrients and get off to a quicker start. Since the tomato plant's roots will be near the soil's surface, the heat loving tomato plant will be able to heat up quicker when the sun rays hit the soil in the morning.

Trench planting is a good method for both northern and southern gardeners. Northern gardener's have a shorter growing season and the extra heat the tomatoes receive when trench planted speeds up the growing process. Southern gardeners can set out their tomato plants in trenches earlier in the season and harvest ripe tomatoes before the scorching summer sun slows down the tomato production.

 

[Greenthumb18]

Yep those white spots are roots trying to grow, maybe you could add more soil around them and new roots will form.

 

[desertgirl]

Yep those white spots are roots trying to grow, maybe you could add more soil around them and new roots will form.

They are hanging upside down...how would I do that?:/

 

[big brown horse]

Catalina,

Thanks for the information!!! Just in time too because I am bout to plant some!!