Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in a home garden. They are relatively easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest of juicy, delicious fruit by the end of summer. However, in order to ensure a healthy plant and a good yield, it is important to properly prepare the soil before planting. In this article, we will discuss what to put in the ground when planting tomatoes.

Compost

Tomatoes thrive in rich, well-draining soil. One of the best ways to ensure that your soil has the necessary nutrients is by adding compost. Compost is made up of decomposed organic matter, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps. It is rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for healthy tomato growth and yield. To prepare your soil, add a layer of compost to the planting area and mix it in with the soil. You can also top-dress around the base of the plant with additional compost throughout the growing season.

Bone Meal

Another nutrient that is essential for healthy tomato growth is phosphorus. Phosphorus helps with root development and flower and fruit production. One way to add phosphorus to the soil is by using bone meal. Bone meal is made from ground-up animal bones and is high in phosphorus. It is also a slow-release fertilizer, which means that it will continue to provide nutrients to the plant over a longer period of time. To use bone meal, simply sprinkle a small amount around the base of the plant before planting.

Eggshells

Calcium is another important nutrient for tomato plants. It helps to prevent blossom end rot, which is a common problem with tomatoes. One natural source of calcium is eggshells. Eggshells are high in calcium and can be added to the soil before planting. To do this, simply crush up the shells and mix them into the soil. You can also sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of the plant throughout the growing season.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a great addition to your tomato garden. It is magnesium sulfate and is a natural source of both magnesium and sulfur. Magnesium is important because it helps with the uptake of other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Sulfur is essential for plant growth and development, and also helps with the production of chlorophyll. To use Epsom salt in your tomato garden, simply mix a tablespoon of it with a gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several things that you can put in the ground when planting tomatoes to ensure a healthy plant and a good yield. Compost will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, bone meal will add phosphorus, eggshells will provide calcium, and Epsom salt will deliver magnesium and sulfur. By adding these amendments to your soil, you can be sure that your tomato plants will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.