What do you want your tomato plant to achieve? Bigger, juicier fruit? Stronger, healthier growth? If you’re nodding yes to both, then you might find this trick by MIgardener very helpful. He talks about trench composting, the simple tomato planting method that could take your tomatoes from “struggling in life” to “Mama, I made it.

This isn’t only for the plant that is showing the most potential; using it even on the one that looks like it’s the least likely to succeed can lead to some seriously tasty results. See how he turns a tomato garden into a mini tomato factory.

@mi.gardener Trench composting has become our new favorite way of planting our tomato plants! #gardening #garden #tomato #fyp #foryou #gardentok #gardentips #gardeningtips ♬ original sound – MIgardener

What is Trench Planting?

There might be a bit of confusion here, since the TikTok video does mention “trench composting.” However, a better term might be trench planting. This is because you are literally planting your tall tomato plant horizontally in the soil (to create a trench).

This planting technique is not to be confused with burying compost under the soil in a trench to provide your garden with nutrients. Although burying rich compost under your horizontal tomato plant just might be the golden ticket to your best tomato yield ever!

Why Trench Planting Works

Tomato plants love their roots. The more they can spread out and dig into rich soil, the stronger they get. Trench composting takes advantage of this by allowing your tomato plant to root along its stem when buried under soil. This means more roots, more access to nutrients, and a much healthier plant. It’s the secret underground highway to success that your plants didn’t know they needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trench Planting Your Tomato Plant

1. Prep Your Plant

This method works best for a taller tomato plant that has a long stem. Start by gently removing your tomato plant from its pot. Don’t worry about being too delicate — just be mindful of the roots. You’ll want to handle the plant by the root ball or leaves, not by the stem.

2. Trim Some Leaves

Next, take a few leaves off the lower part of the plant (from the mid-section down). You want to expose a few inches of the stem to bury in the soil. Keep the top portion of the leaves intact, as they’ll be above the ground.

3. Dig a Trench

Now, grab your shovel and dig a shallow trench in your garden bed or soil. The trench doesn’t need to be too deep, just enough to bury the stem, leaving the top with the leaves exposed.

4. Bury the Stem

Lay the plant down horizontally in the trench, so the lower part of the stem is buried in the soil. Make sure the part with leaves stays above the surface. You will be bending the stem, so be gentle to avoid breaking it. Gently cover the buried part with soil, making sure the leaves are standing tall above the soil line. You can use a little extra soil to help support the plant and keep it upright. After that, give it a good drink of water.

5. Watch It Grow

As your plant settles in, the little hairs along the stem will transform into roots, making the plant more robust and better able to absorb nutrients. With this extra root system, your tomato plant will be better equipped to grow taller and stronger.

Get Ready for a Bountiful Harvest

These new roots that form from the stem have better access to water and nutrients, leading to a healthier plant overall. The more roots, the better the plant can thrive, which means bigger, juicier tomatoes.

It’s time to start dreaming of all your favorite recipes (salsa, bruschetta, sauce-yum!)

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