Building a Foundation with Soil and Companion Planting
A successful tomato harvest begins long before the first flower appears by focusing on the health of your soil and the community of plants around it. Tomatoes are high-energy plants that require a strong foundation to produce those heavy clusters of fruit.
The Soil
Tomatoes thrive in soil that is rich in organic matter and offers excellent drainage. They prefer a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.8 to properly absorb nutrients from the earth. Before planting we recommend amending your garden beds with several inches of high-quality compost or aged manure.
We recommend Fox Farm’s Ocean Forest Potting Soil or G&B Raised Bed & Potting Mix for containers. Amend beds with E.B. Stone Planting Compost or Fox Farm’s Seacoast or Mushroom Compost.
Calcium and Warming
One secret to preventing common issues like blossom end rot is ensuring your soil has enough calcium. We often suggest adding a handful of bone meal or a specialized tomato fertilizer like Espoma Tomato-tone to the planting hole.
In our PNW climate, it’s also helpful to warm the soil before planting. Use black plastic or simply let the sun hit the bare earth for a week to ensure the roots do not get shocked by cold temperatures.
The Power of Companion Planting
You can give your tomatoes a natural boost by surrounding them with plants that help them thrive and deter pests. This practice creates a diverse ecosystem that reduces your need for chemical sprays.
-
Basil: thought to improve the flavor of the fruit while its scent repels aphids and flies
-
Marigolds: their roots release a substance that keeps harmful nematodes away from tomato roots
-
Nasturtiums: draw aphids away from tomato vines and onto their own leaves
-
Borage: attracts bees and other pollinators which helps every tomato flower get pollinated
-
Bush Beans: help fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a crucial nutrient for heavy-feeding tomatoes
