How to Prepare the Soil for Tomato Plants
Choose a soil for planting your tomatoes that is well drained, deep and loamy (rich with sand, silt and clay)., Test the soil's acidity., Choose an area where the soil receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. , Work the soil to prepare it for...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a soil for planting your tomatoes that is well drained
Tomatoes favor a more acidic soil with a pH of
6.2 to
6.8.
Use a pH soil testing kit, available at home improvement and garden stores, to test the pH levels of the soil. ,, Using a trowel or shovel, move the soil while it is dry.
Working with wet soil will make it difficult to move and aerate, and it will stick to your tools.
If soil pH conditions aren't ideal for growing tomato plants, add fertilizer to prepare your soil for planting. , Apply peat moss, compost or manure to the soil to improve its quality.
Mix in small amounts of any or each of these components as you dig and mix your soil prior to planting.
The richer the soil, the better the growing conditions. , Tomato plants require being set deeply in the soil, up to their first leaves. ,, Dissolve 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of fertilizer into 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
Apply 1 cup (240 ml) of the solution to the base of each tomato plant.
For larger areas, apply 2 lbs. (907 g) of fertilizer per 100 square feet. -
Step 2: deep and loamy (rich with sand
-
Step 3: silt and clay).
-
Step 4: Test the soil's acidity.
-
Step 5: Choose an area where the soil receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
-
Step 6: Work the soil to prepare it for planting.
-
Step 7: Supplement the soil.
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Step 8: Choose an area where the soil is deep.
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Step 9: Purchase a fertilizer with a 5-10-5 ratio of nitrogen
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Step 10: phosphorous and potassium.
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Step 11: Prepare the fertilizer.
Detailed Guide
Tomatoes favor a more acidic soil with a pH of
6.2 to
6.8.
Use a pH soil testing kit, available at home improvement and garden stores, to test the pH levels of the soil. ,, Using a trowel or shovel, move the soil while it is dry.
Working with wet soil will make it difficult to move and aerate, and it will stick to your tools.
If soil pH conditions aren't ideal for growing tomato plants, add fertilizer to prepare your soil for planting. , Apply peat moss, compost or manure to the soil to improve its quality.
Mix in small amounts of any or each of these components as you dig and mix your soil prior to planting.
The richer the soil, the better the growing conditions. , Tomato plants require being set deeply in the soil, up to their first leaves. ,, Dissolve 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of fertilizer into 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
Apply 1 cup (240 ml) of the solution to the base of each tomato plant.
For larger areas, apply 2 lbs. (907 g) of fertilizer per 100 square feet.
About the Author
Brittany Wilson
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Brittany Wilson combines 6 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Brittany's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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