Just saw these white bumps on the stem of a tomato that I just planted out last week (1st photo). Also noticed some starting on a nearby plant (photo 2). Should I be concerned? If it is a problem, is there anything I should do to improve it, or should I just pull the two plants in order to save others in the bed?
nbgard - Your plants are fine. I've always taken the appearance of such bumps as a sign that a plant is vigorous and really trying to grow.
The bumps are where roots are ready to grow if that part of the stem comes in contact with the soil. You might want to mound dirt up around those stems a little so more roots will form and make the plants stronger.
Great, thanks! I had already planted it about halfway up the stem, but could mound it some more, for sure. Thanks for the prompt reply, Ozark!
In their natural habitat, tomatoes sprawl on the ground and those white bumps would grow roots.
