If you are searching for the Best Potting Soil for Tomatoes, then this article will help you in choosing the appropriate one for potted tomatoes!
Tomatoes grown in pots prefer fluffy and moist environment to thrive. They do not perform well in heavy soil. Go through this article to understand more about the Best Potting Soil for Tomatoes!
Check out our article on the secrets of growing tomatoes in containers here!
Which Type of Soil is Best for Tomatoes?
Texture and Type
Tomatoes love well-draining and loose soil. While growing them in pots, avoid using clay or garden soil as they are heavy. Mix sand, peat moss, or sawdust to make it appropriate for the plant.
Fertility
For growing tomatoes, the soil should be fertile and must consist of a good amount of compost. It should also be rich in phosphorus and potassium.
Soil pH
The ideal pH for growing tomatoes is 6.0 to 6.8. It must not be very acidic nor very basic. If there is too much variation in the pH of the soil, then make some amendments in it. You can decrease the ph with sulfur or increase it with the help of lime.
Here are some of the best tips for growing tomatoes in pots!
Should You Use Garden Soil for Growing Tomatoes in Pots?
For growing tomatoes in pots, do not use garden soil directly. It is heavy and can have pathogens, fungi, and pests, which can harm the plants. Also, with each watering cycle garden soil becomes more compact, decreasing its oxygen levels and water-absorbing capacity.
Difference Between Potting Soil or Potting Mix
Potting soil in simpler terms is the plain garden soil. It is naturally nutrient-rich, thanks to the minerals and decaying organic matter present. It’s cheap and very effective for container gardening.
Potting mix, on the other hand, is made up of organic matter, peat moss, and other materials that offer better aeration and make it light, helping the roots to grow easily. It can be custom made for a particular plant, hance is costlier than potting soil.
Check out our article on how far apart to plant tomatoes here!
Recipe for Homemade Potting Mix for Growing Tomatoes
Making a potting mix at home is a cost-effective alternative over buying it from the store. Here is the recipe for making a potting mix for growing tomatoes in pots.
Ingredients for Recipe 1
- Garden soil
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Perlite, vermiculite, or sand
Mix all of them in equal proportions and fill the pots.
Ingredients for Recipe 2
- Garden Soil
- Crushed eggshells
- Bone meal
- Compost
Combine all the ingredients in equal proportions and you’ll have a great mix for planting tomatoes!
Ingredients for Recipe 3
- Pre-soaked Coir Peat
- Vermiculite
- Compost
- Vermicast (humus)
Mix equal quantities using a trowel and store the mix in a container. Use it as required.
Check out our article on the potting mix here!
Planting Tomatoes in Container
Plant baby tomato plants deeply in the pot, covering 2/3-parts of the plant with soil. Water them regularly to keep the soil moist, but not saturated. Place them where they can receive 5-6 hours of sunlight. Feed your plants with an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer. You can also go for a tomato-specific fertilizer, however, do read the manufacturer’s instruction at the label carefully.
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