Headlines promising “instant” garden miracles are extremely tempting, but every experienced gardener knows that tomatoes need time. Tomatoes are indeed very nutrient-demanding plants (so-called early plants), and what you add to the soil when planting significantly influences their entire season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you find tips online about things that “should always be added to the soil,” there are usually a few tried-and-tested tricks behind them. We’ll explain what really belongs in the planting hole, what’s a myth, and what can even be risky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) \u2013 A real helper<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This tip is the most frequently circulated online. Tomatoes are very sensitive to magnesium deficiency, which they need for photosynthesis and strong, green leaf growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fact: A tablespoon of Epsom salt in the planting hole (covered with a little soil to protect the roots from burning) promotes plant growth and prevents yellowing leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caution: This only works in soil low in magnesium. Too much magnesium can inhibit calcium uptake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eggshells \u2013 Start slowly
Tomatoes desperately need calcium. A deficiency leads to the dreaded blossom-tip rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fact: Eggshells are rich in calcium. They won’t harm tomatoes if added to the planting hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caution: Eggshells decompose extremely slowly in the soil (even over several years). To ensure tomatoes benefit from them this year, they should be finely ground (e.g., in a coffee grinder) and ideally mixed with a little vinegar. The vinegar chemically releases the calcium for the roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banana peels \u2013 A source of potassium, but with risks
Potassium is essential for the formation of large, sweet, and juicy fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fact: Banana peels contain potassium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Risk: If you bury a whole banana peel directly next to the roots, there’s a risk it will start to rot in the soil. This attracts mold, pests (scab, ants), or rodents. It’s better to compost the peels or make an infusion from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whole raw fish or fish heads \u2013 an old Indian method<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you can also find this unusual tip on the internet. You’re supposed to bury the fish under the tomato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fact: Fish flesh and bones are an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace elements. Tomatoes will grow beautifully afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Risk: If you don’t bury the fish deep enough (at least 40\u201350 cm), the neighbor’s cat, dog, or marten will dig it up again within a few days. The smell of rotting fish in the flower bed is also unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what REALLY belongs in the planting hole for tomatoes? Forget quick fixes and focus on what tomatoes love most:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mature compost or granulated cow\/horse manure: This is the best nutrient cocktail, released gradually. A handful of lignohumate or mycorrhizal fungi (Symbivit): These fungi connect with the tomato’s roots, helping it absorb water from deeper soil layers and significantly expanding its root system. Deep planting: This is the best free trick. Plant the tomato so deep that only the top leaves are visible (you can plant it at an angle). The tomato will develop countless new roots underground along the stem. The more roots, the more tomatoes! Are you growing tomatoes in your garden this year, or are you growing them in pots on your balcony?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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