What Do You Put in the Hole Before Planting Tomatoes?

When it comes to gardening, tomatoes are a favorite for many people. They are relatively easy to grow, and they add a pop of color and flavor to any dish. However, to ensure a successful harvest, it is essential to give your tomato plants the best start possible. This is where the preparation of the soil comes in, more specifically, what you put in the hole before planting. Here, we will discuss some options of what to put in the hole before planting tomatoes.

Compost

Compost is a popular choice for many gardeners when it comes to enriching the soil. Compost is made up of decomposed organic material, and it is full of nutrients that can benefit your plants. When using compost, be sure to mix it thoroughly into the soil, rather than just placing it in the planting hole. This will ensure that the nutrients are evenly dispersed and not just concentrated in one area.

Manure

Another option for enriching the soil is manure. However, it is essential to use well-aged manure to avoid burning your plants. This means that the manure has been sitting for at least six months, allowing enough time for the nutrients to break down and become more readily available for your plants. Again, similar to compost, it is best to mix the manure into the soil rather than just placing it in the planting hole.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer made from animal bones that have been finely ground. It is an excellent source of phosphorus, which is vital for root development. Bone meal is best used at the time of planting, as it takes time for the nutrients to become available to the plants. If you decide to use bone meal, sprinkle a handful in the planting hole and mix it into the soil.

Eggshells

Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, which is essential for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes. They can also help to deter cutworms and other pests. However, it is recommended to crush the eggshells finely to prevent them from taking too long to break down. When planting your tomatoes, sprinkle a handful of crushed eggshells into the planting hole and mix it into the soil.

Conclusion

There are many options of what to put in the hole before planting tomatoes, but the most important thing is to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients. By using compost, manure, bone meal or eggshells, you can give your tomato plants the best start possible, and they will reward you with a bountiful harvest.