Pomidofel (TomTato): photo, copulation, planting instructions

Tomato is a plant created by grafting tomatoes and potatoes. Who came up with the idea of ​​planting this crop, and more importantly, why? There are obvious reasons. Gardeners save space by growing two crops on a single plant. Many grow them in buckets, in the garden, or on the balcony. It saves a lot of water, as you only need to water one plant instead of two. It also saves time and energy, as you only need to care for one plant instead of two.The grafting process involving potatoes and tomatoes isn't as difficult as it may seem. Anyone can learn how to grow the plant.

Pomidofel (TomTato) - tomato and potato

The plant can produce both potatoes and tomatoes. They are members of the Solanaceae family. Cherry tomatoes are often grown on runners, while any favorite potato variety can be grown in soil. The method was originally developed in 1977 at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen, Germany.

Two crops require less labor throughout the season. The fruit tastes the same as when grown separately. Gardeners should also be aware of the potential drawbacks:

• The 2 weeks of the growing season will be labor-intensive (until the grafting is successful);
• fruits and tubers are slightly smaller than average;
• more work at the beginning of the season, plants need constant attention,
• Not all vaccinations are successful.

Copulation

A well-known cultivation method capable of strengthening crops' immunity to adverse factors. Plant grafting is nothing new; it was practiced in the 20th century. This method is successful due to the strong roots, which enable good fruit production in open-ground conditions. The short growing season automatically shortens, meaning the crop's yield increases. Intraspecific grafting is more popular among gardeners.

The plants used in grafting are most often fruit trees. Intergeneric grafting is possible, but such copulation is rare. Growing two plants as one is a common practice among gardeners short on space.

These plants are produced through a process called grafting, a method of propagation. This horticultural innovation allows gardeners to grow vertically arranged plants in a small space.

Tomato - how to graft

1. When the stems of the plants reach 1 cm in diameter, you need to take a sharp and sterile knife and cut off the top of both plants.
2. It is better to make a V-shaped cut at the same angle on both plants.
3. Discard the top of the potato plant, then place the tomato top into the V-shaped cut. Use force to secure the plants firmly.

It's best to graft early in the season, when the plant stems are soft; they will begin to harden later. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials for grafting. Once the incisions are made, you won't have time to run to the store for a band-aid. A V-shaped incision is made to maximize the contact area and increase the chances of a successful graft.

Planting in the ground

Don't despair; part of the tomato will wilt and look unsightly for about 14 days. Don't touch it; it needs time. After a week, you can transplant the plant into the ground. After about 10-14 days, if the grafting was successful, you'll notice the tomato plant developing (small, light green leaves).

Leave the tape on for a few days, then carefully remove it. The tomato will begin to bloom within a month, followed shortly by fruit. By loosening the soil, you'll be able to see the formed tubers, which can be dug up once the variety reaches technical maturity. Tomato plants don't require any special care. Watering and feeding them as you would any other crop is sufficient.

How to harvest tomatoes and potatoes from one bush?

A series of experiments have shown that grafting two plants, in this case potatoes and tomatoes, results in excellent crop resistance. Gardeners can be confident that their plants will have sufficient defenses to cope with a wide range of pests, including the Colorado potato beetle and late blight.

Looking at the tomato and photos available online, one can confidently say that the plant looks strong and healthy, which means the harvest will be high-quality. The grafting process doesn't present any particular agricultural difficulties. Beginner gardeners can handle this task; the key is to have patience.

Reviews

Alena:

"It wasn't the first time I managed to create a miracle plant. Before grafting, I read a lot of literature. Some of the information was extremely contradictory. But in practice, it turned out not to be that difficult. The main thing is to graft carefully and choose only strong, young plants. Preferably, they should be of similar height."

Denis:

I heard about the tomato plant and thought it was some kind of hybrid. I had no idea that intraspecific grafting could be so successful between potatoes and tomatoes. I pondered for a long time before deciding to try it. The first signs of a successful graft appeared after 17 days.

Julia:

"An amazing method that helped me conserve space in my plot. I want to get the most out of my land. Grafting potatoes and tomatoes is an ideal option for garden enthusiasts with limited space."

Elena:

"I read about tomato grafting a few years ago. It seems like a method only for experienced gardeners. In reality, it's simple. The main thing is that the grafting is successful. If you securely attach the plant and use only high-quality crops, the tomato grafting will be strong and easy to care for."

Egor:

"There's no need to reinvent the wheel; watering and proper fertilization with good fertilizer are essential. One plant produces a lot of tubers; my family and I had enough for table purposes for a long time, from the amount of tomatoes we grew at our dacha."