Transplant a tomto plant?

[llnmaw]

It has been in the ground since Mother's Day (or so) and the other two plants have taken of nicely. Getting lots of blossoms, 3-4 tomatoes on each plant. The third is lankey, less vibrant and not growing. I don't think I've seen a blossom on it. The only difference between this sickly looking one and the others is that it is an area of the garden that get shade from the privacy fence about 2:30 or 3:00.

We are in zone 3b...short growing season.

If I transplant it do I follow the same rule as the original transplant and plant about 80% of the plant again?

Better off leaving it alone and hoping for the best?

~L.

[Buzzer Beater]

I've moved tomatoes this late in the season and they did well enough. Even plants that aren't looking great may have deep roots, so dig out a huge root ball if you can, and make sure it has enough water on hot afternoons for a bit. I don't think you should put it in that deep, maybe a fourth or fifth of it?

[garden-gal]

You shouldn't have any problem transplanting it. Just make sure you water it in thoroughly when you replant. And make sure it gets plenty of water while its re-establishing its roots. You could also take some of the suckers off of the healthy ones and root them. Very easy to do if you wanted more tomato plants.

[llnmaw]

I'm rethinking the idea of moving it and wondering if it might just need a nutritional boost?

I really hate to dig it up and risk it entirely, ya know? What would you 'feed' a tomato?

Or...bad idea.

~L.