What Happens When You Bury Sardines Under a Tomato Plant

Are you looking for a natural way to fertilize your tomato plants? Look no further than your local supermarket's canned fish aisle. Burying sardines under tomato plants is a centuries-old gardening practice that can yield some impressive benefits for your vegetable garden.

Why use sardines?

Sardines are a small, oily fish that are packed with nutrients that plants need to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. When buried under a tomato plant, they slowly release these nutrients as they decompose, providing a steady source of food for the plant.

How to prepare the sardines

Before you bury the sardines, you'll want to prepare them to minimize any unpleasant odors that might arise as they decay. Rinse the fish in cold water to remove any excess salt or oil. Some gardeners also choose to soak the sardines in water for several hours before burying them. This can help reduce any strong odors.

How to bury the sardines

Begin by digging a hole approximately six inches deep in the soil where you plan to plant your tomato. Place two or three sardines in the hole and cover them with a layer of soil. Plant your tomato in the same hole, making sure that the roots are not resting directly on top of the sardines. Water thoroughly.

When to use sardines

Sardines are best used as a fertilizer when planting your tomato. However, they can also be added to the soil at any time during the growing season. Simply dig a small hole near the stem of the plant and bury a couple of sardines. Be careful not to damage the roots of the plant.

The benefits of using sardines as fertilizer

One of the biggest benefits of using sardines as fertilizer is that they are a natural and cost-effective way to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. They are also a good source of beneficial bacteria that can help suppress soil-borne diseases that can damage your tomato plants.

Another benefit is that they can help reduce the need for commercial fertilizers, which can be expensive and may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and harm beneficial soil organisms over time.

The potential drawbacks of using sardines as fertilizer

While sardines are generally considered safe for use as a fertilizer, they do come with a couple of potential drawbacks. One is the smell that may arise as they decompose. Some gardeners find the odor unpleasant, but others do not notice it much once the plants are growing.

The other potential issue with using sardines is that they may attract unwanted pests to your garden. Raccoons, squirrels, and other animals have been known to dig up buried fish in search of a meal. To prevent this, bury the sardines deep enough that animals cannot smell or reach them.

Conclusion

Using sardines as fertilizer is a natural and affordable way to give your tomato plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. By burying the fish under the soil at the time of planting, or adding them throughout the growing season, you can help reduce the need for commercial fertilizers while promoting beneficial soil health. Give it a try and see how it works in your garden!