The Best Soil For Growing Tomatoes

Since the 1800s when Americans discovered that tomatoes were not poisonous, the tomato has become an important part of the American daily diet. It is easy to grow tomato plants when you have good rich soil and understand the tomatoes nutritional needs.

When staked or trellised, tomatoes do not take up very much room and can even be grown in containers. They are capable of producing an abundant crop of eight to 10 pounds of fruit per plant in the right soil. Tomatoes prefer deep loam soil that is well drained and rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil pH level determines how well the tomato will absorb nutrients from the soil; tomatoes like a slightly acidic soil pH of seven. They are heavy feeders, so add well-aged manure and compost to your tomato area in very early spring and work it about two feet deep and three feet in diameter. Each tomato plant roots will spread that much during a growing season. A balanced soil is necessary for a healthy plant and prosperous harvest. A mix of20 % phosphorus helps the tomato plant with blooming and fruit formation, while over 16 % nitrogen will cause the plant to grow vigorously but it will not make blossoms or fruit. If you feel they need nitrogen, apply as a side dressing after the fruit has set. Just 10 % potassium will help the root system and later the blooming process as well.

To make sure your soil is tomato ready to plant, use a home garden soil testing kit and add nutrients as needed. Blood meal will raise nitrogen levels (use sparingly) while bone meal will raise phosphorous levels and wood ashes will help with the potassium level. After each amendment, retest your soil until you have the proper levels.