5 Reasons to Grow a Pomato Plant

by Farmers' Almanac Staff Updated: June 17, 2025

Harvest both tomatoes and potatoes from the same plant: Meet the pomato plant! (Yes, you read that right.) Pomato plants are growing in popularity as a unique way to conserve space in small gardens. Plus, they make a fun conservation starter! Here are 5 reasons to plant a pomato plant this season as well as a few challenges to bear in mind.

What is a Pomato?

A pomato plant is a grafted plant that produces both tomatoes above ground and potatoes underground.

The main appeal is its ability to yield two different crops from one plant – fresh tomatoes from the vines above the soil and potatoes from the roots beneath the soil.

While the concept has been around for a long time, commercially available pomato plants (sometimes branded as “TomTato” or “Ketchup ‘n’ Fries”) have been sold to the public in recent years.

5 Reasons to Grow Pomato Plants

1) Save Space

A pomato plant allows you to harvest two different crops – tomatoes (above ground) and potatoes (below ground) – from the footprint of a single plant. This is especially valuable for urban gardeners, those with small plots, balconies, or limited container space. See 10 veggies you can easily grow in pots.

2) Efficient Use of Resources

Since you’re tending to one plant instead of two, you can be more efficient with resources like water and fertilizer. While pomato plants are “heavy feeders,” streamlined watering and feeding routines is easier than managing separate crops with slightly different needs.

Any questions? Let us know in the comments!

3) Potential Disease Resistance

When a pomato plant is created, the potato rootstock may be specifically chosen for its natural resistance to common soil-borne diseases (like certain blights or nematodes) that might affect both potatoes and tomatoes. This stronger, more resilient root system can lead to a healthier overall plant, potentially reducing the need for chemical interventions.

4) Novelty and Educational Value

For many gardeners, the pomato plant is simply a fascinating and fun project. It’s a great conversation starter and provides a unique hands-on learning experience about grafting, plant biology, and how different plant parts develop.

Watch this video by Mary Jane Duford of HomeForTheHarvest.com:

5) Increased Productivity per Square Foot

While individual yields for either tomatoes or potatoes might not be as high as dedicated plants, the combined output from one pomato plant often exceeds what you could get by growing separate plants in the same amount of space. You’re essentially maximizing the return on your garden’s real estate.

Any Questions?

Do you have specific questions about growing pomatoes or otherwise? Let us know in the comments! Your questions will be answered by our expert gardeners.