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Tomato transplanting from very close proximity to each other #876544

Asked July 09, 2024, 4:52 PM EDT

Hello, I initially planted two seeds for each tomato plant within the same container early this spring. I did not separate the seedlings (2 in each seeding container). I've planted the tomatoes outside and they are now quite large (approximately 3 feet tall). I'm wanting to know if I can still split them out so that there will be one tomato per planting instead of 2 tomato plants right next to each other (bases are literally within 1/2 inch of each other). What would you recommend? Another option may be to cut one of the two off so that there is only 1 plant yet then there would be the big root mass still blocking the other plant. Thank you, Too Close Tomato

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

The other option would be to just let them grow.  Provide support with stakes.  If you feel you must remove one, cut it off at ground level.  Do not try to separate the roots after this amount of time. Next year, if you want to try two seeds in a cell, place one on either side away from each other.  That way once they are up, you can remove the least healthy looking one without disturbing the roots of the other.
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 09, 2024, 9:58 PM EDT

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