Roto-Tilling Around Volunteer Tomatoes: Weed Control Without Losing Plants

Tilling will kill volunteer tomato roots. Instead, work around them and use straw mulch to suppress weeds.

Better Approach

1. Till the open areas of the bed.
2. Leave volunteer tomatoes undisturbed.
3. Lay straw flakes 4–6 inches deep around each plant.
4. Straw blocks light, smothers weeds, and conserves moisture.

Fall Preparation for Next Year

After harvest, scatter straw or hay over the entire bed. It decomposes over winter, enriching soil and suppressing early weeds.

Volunteers often produce well if they're disease-free and properly spaced.