The Best Soil For Growing Tomatoes

The Ohio State University Extension Service says that the most popular vegetable/fruit for the home gardener is the tomato. It is so versatile and the uses are no many that they are used in every home at least once every day. They can be grown in a relative small amount of space. They can be staked and grown on patios or in large clay pots. As well, they say we can even grow them upside down, hanging in a screened room. One plant can produce eight to 10 pounds of tomatoes. They are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C.

Tomatoes are grown best in a deep, loamy soil, well drained and with a good organic matter of nutrients. Tomatoes grow best in a slightly acidic soil. The fertilizer used should be high in phosphorus. Too much nitrogen can result in large vines that will not produce much fruit. You should work the fertilizer into the soil a couple of weeks before planting the vines. Too much nitrogen will cause the plant to drop the flowers, but a side dressing of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied after the first cluster of flowers have set some fruit.

You may be able to start your tomato plants indoors and set them out after May 20 in Ohio. Check the temperatures in your area. If you are purchasing plants, choose those with straight, sturdy stems about the size of a pencil. They should have about five young leaves, no blossoms or fruit and be free of insects and diseases. Plants in individual containers usually experience little or no transplant shock and become adjusted quickly.