Transplanting Fruiting Tomatoes to Larger Containers

Dry soil despite watering = root-bound. Move to 5-gallon buckets now — even with fruit, transplant succeeds with care.

Step-by-Step

1. Water until drainage, wait 30 min
2. Remove root ball intact
3. 2-3" potting soil in new bucket
4. Center plant, backfill
5. Plant deeper (stem forms roots)
6. Water thoroughly
7. Must have drainage holes!

Why Deeper Planting Works

Tomatoes uniquely thrive when transplanted deeper — each buried stem node becomes root tissue, strengthening the plant. This is your chance to fix the container size and boost root mass simultaneously.