Tomatoes are one of the most beloved garden vegetables, and with the right planting techniques, they can be incredibly productive and tasty. When planting tomatoes, adding certain amendments to the planting holes can significantly enhance their growth, health, and flavor. Here are 23 common things you should consider putting in your tomato planting holes:
- Compost: Rich in nutrients and microorganisms, compost improves soil structure and fertility.
- Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the soil, helping prevent blossom end rot.
- Bone Meal: A great source of phosphorus, bone meal promotes strong root development and flower growth.
- Epsom Salts: Provides magnesium, which is crucial for chlorophyll production and overall plant vigor.
- Fish Heads: An old-time gardener’s trick, fish heads provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium as they decompose.
- Coffee Grounds: Adding coffee grounds can help to slightly acidify the soil, which tomatoes love.
- Aspirin: Some gardeners swear by adding an aspirin tablet to reduce plant stress and boost the immune system.
- Banana Peels: Rich in potassium, banana peels are excellent for promoting flower and fruit growth.
- Kelp Meal: High in minerals and growth hormones, kelp meal is a powerful soil amendment.
- Rock Dust: Adds trace minerals to the soil, improving plant health and flavor.
- Worm Castings: An excellent source of nutrients, worm castings also improve soil structure and moisture retention.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: These beneficial fungi help extend the plant’s root system and improve nutrient uptake.
- Garden Lime: If your soil is too acidic, garden lime can help balance the pH to suit tomatoes.
- Wood Ash: Provides potassium and calcium, but use sparingly as it can also raise soil pH.
- Potting Mix: Adding a bit of potting mix can help lighten dense soils, improving root growth.
- Peat Moss: Helps retain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for tomato plant hydration.
- Green Sand: Adds iron, potassium, and other minerals to the soil.
- Alfalfa Meal: A source of nitrogen, alfalfa meal also stimulates plant growth and decay.
- Humic Acid: Enhances soil’s nutrient-holding capacity and helps in nutrient uptake.
- Chicken Manure: A potent fertilizer that provides a balanced range of nutrients.
- Oyster Shells: Similar to eggshells, oyster shells slowly release calcium and help balance soil pH.
- Blood Meal: A quick nitrogen boost for your tomato plants, promoting vigorous growth.
- Baking Soda: Some gardeners sprinkle a little around the base of plants to reduce acidity and deter pests.
By incorporating these items into your planting holes, you not only enrich the soil but also create a nurturing environment that allows your tomato plants to thrive and produce delicious, juicy tomatoes. Remember to adjust the additions based on your specific soil conditions and tomato variety needs. Happy gardening!
