Introduction

Tomatoes are a popular and beloved vegetable that many gardeners like to grow. Whether you are a newbie gardener or an experienced grower, it's important to know what to put in the hole when planting your tomato seedlings. This will ensure that your tomato plants are healthy and productive. In this article, we will discuss the different materials you can use to fill the hole when planting tomatoes.

Compost

Compost is one of the best materials to use when planting tomatoes. It is rich in nutrients, improves soil structure, and helps retain moisture in the soil. When planting tomatoes, you can mix the compost 50/50 with the soil to fill the hole. This will provide your plants with an excellent growing environment that will help them thrive.

Vermiculite or Perlite

If your soil is heavy and doesn't drain well, then you may want to consider adding vermiculite or perlite to the hole when planting your tomatoes. These materials are lightweight and help improve the drainage of the soil. They also help retain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for the growth of tomato plants.

Bone Meal or Blood Meal

Bone meal or blood meal can be used to add phosphorus to the soil. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that helps promote root growth and flower formation in tomato plants. When planting your tomato seedlings, you can place a tablespoon of either bone meal or blood meal in the hole and mix it with the soil. This will ensure your plants get the phosphorus they need to grow well.

Eggshells

Eggshells are a cheap and effective way to add calcium to the soil. Calcium is important for tomato plants because it helps prevent blossom end rot, a common problem for tomato plants. Crushed eggshells can be added to the hole when planting tomatoes to provide them with the calcium they need.

Conclusion

When planting tomatoes, it's important to know what materials to add to the hole when planting. Compost, vermiculite, perlite, bone meal, blood meal, and eggshells are all excellent materials that can be used to provide your tomato plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and productive. By using these materials, you can ensure your tomato plants are off to a great start and will provide you with a bountiful harvest!