by Charles Asbury

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2008

Garden Location And Preparation For Growing Tomatoes

Every year I take pride in growing my own tomatoes. Not only are they a sight to behold, but they taste amazing and the joy of growing them myself is very rewarding. But before you can eat them, you must grow them. Before you grow them, you must locate the proper spot and then prepare the soil.

Where you grow your tomatoes is a critical part of gardening. Why? Because the plants need plenty of sunlight. Your tomatoes will need a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day to produce healthy tomatoes. Tomatoes don't do very well in soggy soil. A sunny, well drained area, is always best.

pH Preparation Of The Soil

Soil preparation is equally important as location. Tomatoes do best in soil that rates 6.0-6.8 on the pH scale. pH measures the soil acidity or alkalinity, with 7.0 being neutral. Tomato plants excel their growth when planted in soil that leans more on the acidic side. Actually, most vegetables grow best in this type of environment.

You can check the pH level yourself using an inexpensive pH testing. You will find these kits at WalMart or Target stores. It's best to test the soil every three to five years. If your soil pH is to low (too acidic), then you will need to add lime to bring the soil back to the normal or 7.0 level. If the soil is high in alkalinity, then you will need to add sulfur to lower the pH level.

Preparing The Soil's Texture

Preparing your soil goes beyond pH preparation. Whether you have heavy, hard clay types of soil, or light sandy soils, there are different things you can do to improve your planting locations.

If your soil is too hard, then it's best to use a rototiller, metal rake, or hoe to loosen up the area. Tomato roots need to breathe and expand to grow deep into your garden. Also, by working the ground with these tools, you will eliminate some unwanted grass or weeds.

If the sand is too sandy, then it's necessary to add some sort of organic matter to establish proper growth. By adding leaves, cut grass, or compost, you will your plants a continuous supply of moisture all season long, and it also helps your plants to breathe.

Preparing The Soil With Fertilizer

Adding fertilizer to the soil is also important before you plant, to ensure your plants get off to a good start. After you till the area, add a mild fertilizer like 5-10-10 and work it in the soil with a metal rake. This will provide adequate portions of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Now that you've prepared the soil, your ready to plant your tomatoes. Be sure to place your plants approximately 18 inches apart. You might even want to place a metal cage around your plants. Caging your plants will provide excellent stability as your plants begin to grow up and through the openings of the cage.

Hopefully you will enjoy the rewarding hobby of growing your own tomatoes. Remember, if you locate the right spot and prepare the soil as explained, you should have excellent results.

You might just enjoy growing tomatoes as much as I do. I promise you'll love the way your own tomatoes taste much more than the store bought types. Well, you can't eat them unless you grow them. So what are you waiting for? Good luck in your tomato growing endeavors.

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