The best soil for tomatoes provides all the nutrients and water your plants need to thrive.
The best harvest for tomatoes starts with providing the best soil for tomatoes.
Create the best soil for tomatoes you possibly can with these 9 tips.
Credit:PaulMaguire / Getty Images
PaulMaguire / Getty Images
1.
Compost supplies elements tomato plants need to produce healthy foliage and flavorful fruits.
It provides valuable structure to the soil, adding air space and amplifying the soils ability to hold moisture.
Compost also sustains a multitude of helpful organismsfrom beneficial fungi and bacteria to a vibrant earthworm population.
In short, compost does more for the flourishing of a tomato plant than any other soil amendment.
To add compost,spread a 2-inch-thick layerover the garden in spring before planting.
Gently mix it into the top 6 inches of soil.
Compost can also be used as mulch around tomato plants during the growing season.
Get a Soil Test
Get a good read on your local soil with a soil test.
Based on the findings, the test gives a recipe for amending the soil.
That way, you dont have to guess what your soil needs.
Instead, you get specific recommendations for what to add and how much for the best soil for tomatoes.
Plant tomatoes in a new location every year on a three-year crop rotation plan to minimize disease infestations.
Crop rotation is a great way to control soil-borne diseases.
Avoid Polluted Areas
Some soil is simply not fit for growing tomatoes.
For example, soil nearblack walnut treesisnt the best soil for tomatoes.
Black walnut trees exude a chemical called juglone that is toxic to many plants, including tomatoes.
Juglone infiltrates the soil beneath the tree canopy and far beyond the drip line.
Dont grow tomatoes near walnut trees; find another location or grow plants in containers.
Urban gardeners need to be vigilant when growing food crops of any sort.
Before you plant, research the history of the land where the tomatoes will grow.
Use Organic Mulch
Mulching the soil around tomato plantshelps keep weeds at bay and conserves soil moisture.
The mulch slowly decomposes and mixes into the top layer of soil, adding nutrients and improving structure.
A 2-inch-thick layer of mulch is an excellent addition to the soil around every tomato plant.
Consider Raised Beds
Raised beds are a terrific way to create the best soil for tomatoes.
Many easy-to-assemble raised beds are available for purchase.
Great cover crops for tomatoes include winter rye,annual ryegrass, and winter wheat.
Skip Fertilizer With Weed Killer
When fertilizing tomatoes, read product labelscarefully.
Fertilizer containing weed-killer is a popular product but is not welcome near tomatoes.
The weed-killer portion of the product infiltrates the soil and harms or kills young, tender tomato plants.
Dont Neglect Cleanup
At the end of thetomato growing season, remove any diseased tomato plant parts.
Bury or burn the diseased stems and leaves;dont add them to a compost pile.
You want toavoid overwatering or underwateringfor the best fruit.
Do your tomatoes have an odd shape?
Thatcould be catfacing, and there are ways to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tomatoes grow best at a pH of 6.2-6.8, which is slightly acidic.
Even though these plants seldom grow taller than 3 feet, they produce plenty of tasty tomatoes.
