Good potting soil mix is quite important especially when growing tomatoes in containers. You need to fill the containers with a perfect soil medium that works perfect for their growth. Tomatoes grows well in containers, so choosing or making best potting soil will help you to harvest healthy tomatoes at right time.
What Type Of Soil is Best For Tomatoes?
Soil PH:
Ideal PH for growing tomatoes is 6.0-6.8, it should not be too much acidic nor very basic. If you find too much variation in PH of the soil, make some amendments in it. Decrease PH by using sulphur or increase it by adding lime.
Texture and Type:
Tomatoes love well drained and loose soil when growing in pots. Avoid using clay or garden soil and mix sand, peat moss or sawdust to make it appropriate for the plant.
Fertility:
To grow healthy tomatoes, the soil should be fertile and must combine with good amount of compost. Make sure it is rich in phosphorous and potassium.
Never use garden soil for growing tomatoes. It is heavy and more prone to pests and diseases which can harm the plants easily.
Difference between Potting Mix And Potting Soil:
Potting Mix:
It is made up of organic matter, peat moss and other material that offer aeration and make it light that helps plant to grow healthy. It is custom made for particular plant and costlier when compared with potting soil.
Potting Soil:
Potting soil is nothing but garden soil which is naturally rich in nutrients and minerals and decaying organic matter. It is very cheap and easily available for container gardening.
How To Make Best Potting Mix For Growing Tomatoes In Containers:
Instead of buying those costly potting mix from the store, make your own which is cost effective and easy for growing tomatoes.
Ingredients Required For Recipe 1:
- Garden Soil
- Crushed egg shells
- Bone meal
- Compost
Mix all ingredients in equal proportion. That’s it you will have great mix for planting tomatoes.
Ingredients Required For Recipe 2:
- Garden Soil
- Perlite, Vermiculite
- Sphagnum peat moss
Mix all ingredients in equal proportions and fill the containers.
Ingredients Required For Recipe 2:
- Pre soaked Coir peat
- Vermiculite
- Compost
- Vermicast
Mix all ingredients in equal quantities using a towel and store them in a container. Use it as required!