7 Simple Additions to Your Tomato Planting Hole for Healthier Plants
Growing great tomatoes begins with more than just planting them in the ground.
What you add to the planting hole can have a big impact on the growth, yield, and flavor of your tomato plants.
By incorporating a few everyday items into the soil, you can provide your plants with the nutrients they need for success.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 common things you should add to your tomato planting hole for stronger plants, healthier soil, and, ultimately, the best-tasting tomatoes.
Fish Heads
Fish heads serve as a powerful fertilizer, packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium that promote strong tomato growth. Burying them deeply, about a foot below the soil, ensures they release their nutrients slowly over time.
You can either place the whole fish heads or grind them and mix with water and milk to supercharge your plants. This method enriches the soil naturally, giving your tomatoes a healthy boost.
Eggshells
Eggshells contribute an excellent source of calcium, helping prevent issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes. Crushing the shells and mixing them into the soil provides a slow-release solution for your plants.
You’ll appreciate how this simple, natural method not only nourishes the soil but also reduces waste by repurposing kitchen scraps. It's a win-win for both your garden and your home.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a great way to address magnesium deficiency in your plants. Adding a tablespoon or two into the bottom of the planting hole when transplanting seedlings boosts nutrient levels for your tomatoes.
The salt dissolves gradually, ensuring that your plants get the right amount of magnesium for robust growth. This simple addition helps maintain plant health and yields better results.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are an effective, eco-friendly soil enhancer, providing slow-release nutrients to your plants. Their organic composition improves the structure of the soil, keeping it well-aerated and fertile.
You might find that using coffee grounds as mulch or fertilizer boosts the health of your plants while reducing waste, offering a sustainable way to care for your garden.
Aspirin
Dropping aspirin tablets into the planting hole can strengthen your tomato plants’ immunity and ward off diseases like blight. This simple addition helps increase yields and keeps your plants healthy throughout the growing season.
You’ll find this easy trick especially beneficial for ensuring your tomatoes thrive and resist common diseases.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can sweeten your tomatoes by lowering soil acidity levels. A small sprinkle around the base of your tomato plants allows the soil to absorb the soda, producing a sweeter, less tart fruit.
This natural method is an easy and effective way to enhance the flavor of your homegrown tomatoes without any synthetic additives.
Bone Meal
Bone meal provides a vital dose of phosphorus, essential for blossoming and fruit quality in tomato plants. Sprinkling a handful of bone meal around the base of the plant encourages healthy root development and vibrant fruit growth.
This organic fertilizer works over time, offering long-lasting support for your garden’s success.