How to Prepare the Soil for Tomato Planting

According to the University of Missouri, tomatoes are the most popular plant for home gardens. Vegetable gardeners will tell you that nothing tastes quite as good as a vine-ripened tomato picked at the peak of perfection. To get these luscious tomatoes, you first must prepare the soil in the garden. A well-prepared tomato bed will produce more, larger, and better tasting tomatoes, as well as preventing nematode damage to the roots. Be sure to place your garden in a site that gets at least 6 to 7 hours of full sun each day.

Add Organic Matter to the Soil

Tomatoes love well-draining, humus rich soil. Tomatoes are also prone to be damaged by root-knot nematodes, and the more organic matter in the soil, the fewer nematodes. Spread a 6-inch deep layer of compost or composted manure on the top of the soil and turn it into the soil well to a depth of 12 inches with a shovel, rake or garden tiller.

Test Your Soil

Test your soil after adding organic material, as this can change the pH and nutrient value of the soil. Most local agricultural extension services will provide a soil test kit and do the testing free of charge. Soil test kits can also be purchased at local garden centers or online. Follow the instructions for the soil test to the letter to get accurate results. This test should be done 4 to 6 weeks before planting, to give plenty of time to receive the results. There are things you can do in the meantime.

Adjust pH and Add Micronutrients

Once you receive the soil test results, apply the soil amendments as directed. Tomatoes like a neutral to slightly acidic pH, so there will probably be instructions for adding lime or sulfur. If your soil is nutrient deficient, the test will recommend supplementation for that as well. Mix the amendments recommended into the top 12 inches of the soil with a turning fork. Smooth and level the soil with a garden rake.

Space Your Tomato Plants

Different varieties of tomatoes take different amounts of room. If you grew the tomatoes from seed, the package may have spacing requirements. If not, a general rule-of-thumb is 12 inches apart for dwarfs, 15 to 24 inches apart for staked plants, and 24 to 36 inches apart for trellised or ground bed plants. Vigorous growing indeterminates should be given 4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between rows.

Now you’re all ready to put those tomatoes in the ground, knowing that they will be given the most beneficial soil conditions available. In a couple of months, you will be reaping the fruits of your labor and thanking yourself for taking the time to prepare the bed properly beforehand.