Most fruit and vegetable plants of the exact same family, including potato and tomato plants of any variety, can be grafted to create one plant. The top region of the graft becomes the top of the plant also creates tomatoes, while the lower part or root system will produce potatoes. This system of grafting is a frequent practice for gardeners who do not have a great deal of room to work in; nevertheless, a plant will yield less than two plants growing separate. Grafting is best done with two healthy plants which have stems of similar diameter.
Fill a well-draining 1-gallon container having a soil-less potting mixture, leaving a 2-inch space between the dirt and the brim. Take care not to compact the dirt as you are placing it in the container.
Plant a 6-inch potato seedling and a 6-inch tomato seedling with the stems 1/4 inch apart in the middle of the container by creating a hole that is only large enough for both root balls combined. Separate the roots before setting from the hole, and backfill around the root ball with the dirt. Water thoroughly.
Cut a “V” shape to the stem of each plant 1-inch long and one-third the thickness of the stem with a sharp knife exposing the cambium layer. Make the cut 3 inches from the surface of the plants, so that the open areas line up whenever the plant comes are held collectively. The cambium layer, the third layer of the stem inside, comprises active cells which produce development for the plant.
Combine both plant comes from sliding the “V” shapes together and securing with grafting tape. Wrap the tape around where the two plants come together, sealing the cut off place entirely. Remove the tape when the plant starts to show signs of new development.
Remove the top part of the potato plant and the underside section of the tomato plant with pruning shears following a strong union between both plants types. Cut the potato plant stem at a 45-degree angle 1 inch above the grafting joint, and the lower section of the tomato plant stem at a 45-degree angle 1 inch under the grafting joint and dirt level at the base of the root system to produce one plant. Catch the roots of the tomato plant in the ground; since they break down, they will add nutrients to the soil.
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