Root-Bound

As a new gardener, I was disappointed to see my containerized tomatoes starting to look more like apple dolls ~ those wrinkled faces made from withered apples. I thought I had given them plenty of water and nutrients, but the fruit looked awful.

Wrinkled tomatoes (Kate Russell)

I pulled one of the plants out of its pot and discovered a solid ring of roots filling the container. I found the same thing when I looked at the others. All of my tomato plants were root-bound.


A plant is root-bound (or pot-bound) when the roots fill the container, usually winding around in circles, looking for food, water, and soil.


​The best treatment for root-bound plants is to remove them from their outgrown containers and give them more space. Fill a larger container with fresh potting soil or dig a large hole where your plant's roots can roam more freely. Be sure to spread the root system out when you place them in their new home.

Root bound tomato plant (Kate Russell)

When a plant is severely root-bound, it may be necessary to cut the circling roots to encourage outward growth. To do this, use a clean, sharp knife. Cut vertical lines up the side of the root ball in several places. You only need to go in an inch or so. Then tickle the bottom roots outward as you place the plant in new soil.


Be sure to water this traumatized plant well. Before long, these plants will grow new roots to support delicious above-ground growth!