What To Add To Soil When Planting Tomatoes – Boosting Roots and Growth For a Bigger Harvest
Growing a bumper crop of juicy tomatoes starts with getting your plants off to the best possible start. While high-quality transplants and proper planting techniques are key amending the soil when planting tomatoes can give your crop an added boost right from the beginning. By adding the right mix of ingredients to the soil you can supercharge the planting hole to drive vigorous root and plant growth and set the stage for higher tomato yields.
In this article, we’ll explore several simple but powerful options for amending your soil when planting tomatoes. From proven classics like compost and eggshells to more novel ideas like aspirin and vitamins, these soil amendments can provide a nutritional and disease-fighting punch. Used together or separately, these ingredients can transform your planting holes into a root-loving oasis that powers strong plants and bigger harvests.
Compost
Of all the ingredients to add when planting tomatoes, compost is perhaps the most beneficial. This rich, organic material provides an all-purpose nutritional boost and improves the soil structure. Compost releases nutrients slowly over time to feed tomato plants and contains beneficial microorganisms that support plant health. It also helps retain moisture while keeping the soil light and fluffy for excellent root penetration. Mixing 2-4 cups of compost into each planting hole gives tomato roots an ideal growing environment right from the start.
Eggshells
Preventing blossom end rot is a constant battle for tomato growers. Caused by a calcium deficiency, this disorder causes tomatoes to develop a dark, sunken area on the bottom. Adding pulverized eggshells when planting is an easy way to increase calcium levels. With their 95% calcium carbonate composition, eggshells are an excellent slow-release source of this mineral. Grind shells into a fine powder for quicker breakdown in the soil and add 2 tablespoons per planting hole.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds are a versatile soil amendment with multiple benefits for tomatoes. Their nitrogen content fuels plant growth, while retaining moisture and adding organic matter to the soil. Coffee grounds also help repel slugs and insects that can damage young plants. Adding a few tablespoons of spent grounds to each planting hole gives tomato roots an early feeding.
Worm Castings
Worm castings, or vermicompost, are a power-packed organic fertilizer ideal for tomatoes. The waste material from earthworms, castings contain concentrated nutrients and beneficial microbes. Their slow-release nature provides a balanced feeding over time. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of castings into each planting hole to stimulate early root growth and power vigorous plants.
Aspirin
This common painkiller may seem like an odd soil additive, but the salicylic acid it contains can boost tomato plant health. Some gardeners report aspirin can increase yields and help reduce disease issues like early blight. Add 2-3 tablets, crushed or whole, to each planting hole so the aspirin dissolves into the soil over time.
Fish Products
Burying fish heads or fish scraps in planting holes is an old gardening trick for boosting tomato growth. As these items decompose, they provide a heavy dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and other nutrients. The smell may attract pests, however, so bury fish at least 10-12 inches deep. Alternatively, use fish emulsion fertilizers worked into the soil.
Banana Peels
Banana peels offer a nutritional kick of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus as they decompose. Their high levels of potassium are particularly beneficial for tomatoes. Chop peels into small pieces and mix into the planting hole or bury 3-4 whole peels about 4 inches deep. Over time, the peels will release their nutrients to tomato roots.
Kelp Meal
Made from dried and ground seaweed, kelp meal provides a wide array of micronutrients that tomatoes need. An especially good source of potassium, kelp enhances fruit quality and disease resistance. It also contains growth-stimulating hormones. Work 1 cup of meal into each planting hole 2 weeks before planting for powerful root stimulation.
The Best Approach for Amending Tomato Soil
While all of these additives can benefit your tomatoes, it’s best not to overdo it. Adding too many amendments at once runs the risk of nutrient burn or imbalanced nutrition. Focus on 2-3 key ingredients per planting hole like a combo of compost, eggshells and coffee grounds. Or try compost with worm castings and banana peels. Over time, you can alternate amendments each year and see what works best for your soil.
By filling planting holes with a nutritional power punch, your tomatoes will have everything they need right from the start. This sets the stage for vigorous plants with robust roots that can better handle stresses and deliver a bountiful harvest. Give your tomatoes a boost this season with these simple planting hole amendments for your best crop ever!
Staking, caging or trellising
Your tomato plants will need a support structure such as tomato cages or wooden stakes. Its best to put this structure in place before getting your plants into the ground so that you dont disturb their root systems later. Personally, I tend to stake my tomatoes with a single bamboo shoot per plant and tie them with soft Velcro ties.
As with all plants, youll want to encourage your tomato plants to have strong, healthy root systems. This can be done by trimming down the lower part of your seedlings and planting them deep into the soil. I usually add peat moss to the root area to help with water retention and add a source of extra nitrogen––in this case, some crushed Pete & Gerrys Organic eggshells.
Tomato plants like to be moist but not soaking wet, so water them accordingly. As noted above, you can use peat moss when planting to help with water retention. Mulching is also a great practice to help keep the moisture levels high and wards of invasive weeds. As a general rule of thumb, its better to water in the early mornings or evenings when the sun is not at its peak to minimize evaporation.
Depending on where you live, your tomato plants may need to be watered daily, twice a day, or every other day. Summer heat waves and dry regions can dry out your plants quickly, so be sure to check the soil daily to determine whether the plants need additional water. If you live in a rainy or humid area, your plants may not require water as often. Indoor or outdoor potted plants should be watered daily to keep the soil moist.
Choosing the best soil
Tomatoes like well-draining, nitrogen-rich soil. This means extra compost, blood-meal or crushed eggshells will make them happy. You want to make sure they have a steady source of calcium carbonate throughout the growing season, which is exactly what eggshells are made up of! Taking the time to add these extra sources of nutrients to your soil before planting also helps to regulate the soils acidity level to the plants liking.
Garden Soil For Tomato Planting & Tips
FAQ
What do you put in the hole when planting tomato plants?
Loosen the soil dig a small hole, I scatter triple phosphate lightly in the hole mix into the soil, then take your tomato plant lay it in the hole cover the …Jun 5, 2021
What is the best additive to soil for tomatoes?
Compost and composted manure are great additions to the soil for tomatoes and lots of other plants. Compost adds basic nutrients and improves soil structure. Composted manure provides nutrients all season long. Composted manure: This provides a slow release of nutrients over the growing season.
What do Epsom salts do for tomato plants?
Epsom salt is usually recommended as a fertilizer for planting, in a foliar spray to correct yellowing leaves, and to prevent or correct blossom end rot.Apr 20, 2024
How do you prepare soil for tomato plants?
Here are key steps you can take to prepare your soil effectively. Including organic matter like compost and manure in your soil provides essential nutrients for your tomato plants. Compost enriches the soil with vital components, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting healthy plant growth.
What is the best soil for tomato plants?
1. Add compost for the best soil for tomatoes. Nutrient-packed compost is the best way to improve any type of garden soil—from heavy clay to fast-draining sand. Compost supplies elements tomato plants need to produce healthy foliage and flavorful fruits.
Can you put compost in a tomato planting hole?
Compost – 4 Secret Ingredients To Put In Your Tomato Planting Hole! Compost is another must-add to every single tomato planting hole. It is full of energy and nutrients. Even better, its nutrients are in a form that are easy for the roots of tomato plants to absorb. That means they can get the food they need right from the start!
Why is soil composition important for tomato plants?
Understanding soil composition is crucial for successful tomato growth, focusing on pH levels and soil texture. Maintaining optimal pH levels between 6.0 and 6.8 promotes healthy tomato plants by ensuring nutrient availability.
What fertilizer should I use for tomato plants?
Firstly, in the early stages of tomato growing (when you will move them to the tomato planting hole), a balanced fertilizer of equal N, P, and K values is recommended. This is to facilitate strong overall growth before fruiting when less nitrogen is required.
How do you grow a tomato plant?
Enhancing soil with organic matter like compost and manure provides essential nutrients for plant vigor and root development. Selecting balanced fertilizers, improving drainage with additives like perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss, sets the stage for vibrant tomato growth.