subject: Tips For Growing Tomatoes In The Right Soil [print this page] Whenever we do something, we usually begin with the basic. When we want to perfect something that we are doing, we pay attention even to the slightest or smallest details involved in our certain project. And that applies to all...even to planting your favorite tomatoes.
The journey towards the freshest and delicious tomatoes begins with the tending or the preparation of the soil. You may think of it as the last requirement but you should remember that the quality of your soil is very critical to your plant. It is where you "plant" your plant.
In preparing the soil for your tomatoes, you need to first choose the appropriate area. It should be a place away from the buildings and the large trees. A site like this would give your plants the benefit to grow well - giving them sufficient sunlight and area to grow their roots. Since the tomato plants are heat lovers, you should be able to give them at least six to eight (6-8) hours of direct exposure to light. This will make your plant dance in joy. It is also not advisable that you plant your tomatoes in the same spot again and again. Recycled soil might be infested with fungi or other disease causing organisms and would do a lot of harm to your plant added to the fact that the soil looses much of its nutrients during the first time you used it.
You also have to understand the soil's PH level requirement in growing tomatoes. Six to seven is the PH level required. You can actually ask help from the local extension office to test the acidity of the soil for you. At the same time, you can ask for the soil's mineral content. Discussing it over with them who specializes on soil would help you achieve the desired PH level necessary in growing your ideal tomatoes.
Tilling the soil is also something that you need to do. It would be best if you do it during Spring. However, before you do the tilling, the soil should be both dry and warm. Checking the warmth of your soil and the dryness is very important. This can be done by picking a handful of a sample of the dirt and squeezing it. If it falls apart then it is ready for tilling but if not, it is best that you wait a little longer. This way you are assured that you are preparing the best for your tomatoes. Removing the rocks, the roots and other fragments that are in the soil is another thing you need to consider.
You also have to add organic matter to the soil. Using compost to fertilize it has been the usual choice among gardeners. It can actually be bought and delivered in bulk or bag. If the compost is not available, Peat moss is the cheaper alternative. However, peat moss is lesser in nutrients compared to compost.
Big things indeed come from humble beginnings. And the soil is one the little details that you need to be very vigilant of as you start with your own tomato garden. It may be considered dirt but your juicy tomatoes begin with this dirt.
