What to Add to Tomato Planting Hole

Tomatoes are a popular crop for home gardeners because they are easy to grow and produce delicious fruit. To ensure that your tomato plants thrive, it's important to prepare the soil properly before planting. One of the key factors in tomato planting success is what you add to the planting hole. Here are some options to consider:

Compost

Compost is a great choice for adding to the tomato planting hole because it provides a wide range of nutrients and helps improve soil structure. Compost is made up of organic materials that have decomposed over time, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps. It can be purchased from garden centers or you can make your own. Simply mix kitchen scraps, yard waste, and a little bit of soil in a compost bin or pile and wait for the materials to break down. Once it's dark, crumbly, and smells like soil, it's ready to use.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is another option for adding to the tomato planting hole. It is made from ground animal bones and is a good source of phosphorus, which is important for root growth and flower production. Bone meal is also slow release, so it will continue to feed your plants over time. Keep in mind that bone meal can attract animals such as dogs and raccoons, so be sure to bury it deep enough to avoid any problems.

Eggshells

Eggshells may seem like an unlikely addition to the tomato planting hole, but they are a great source of calcium, which can help prevent blossom end rot. To use eggshells in your garden, save them up and crush them into small pieces. You can add them directly to the planting hole or mix them into your compost. If you don't eat many eggs, you can also purchase powdered eggshells from some garden centers.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer can be a valuable addition to the tomato planting hole because it provides a quick boost of nutrients. However, it's important to choose the right type of fertilizer for your needs. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is a good all-purpose choice. If you have a specific problem in your garden, such as poor soil or a lack of certain nutrients, you may want to choose a specialty fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the package when applying fertilizer.

Mulch

Finally, consider adding mulch to your tomato planting hole. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, such as straw, leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips. Just be sure not to cover the stem of the tomato plant with mulch, as this can lead to disease or rot. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to allow for air circulation.

By adding one or more of these materials to your tomato planting hole, you can give your plants a strong start and set them up for success. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you and your garden.