I have always grown tomatoes (mostly heirlooms) in containers because I have sandy soil that is infested with plant parasitic nematodes (i.e. root knot nematodes). For the past couple of years I have been experimenting with growing my tomatoes in slightly raised beds of soil that is amended with things like mushroom compost, chicken manure compost and crab meal, which are thought to deter plant parasitic nematodes. I think some of the plant's roots have still had some damage from root knot nematodes, but overall the plants have produced really well and seem to grow even better than they did in pots. Since I have had some success with these amendments, I thought others might be interested in what I have been doing. In this video I show my process for amending the soil and transplanting my tomatoes. I also included some tips for people who may be new to growing tomatoes. I am not claiming that this is the best way or the only way to transplant tomatoes, but it has been working well for me for the past five growing seasons (spring 21, fall 21, spring 22, fall 22, spring 23), and I will continue doing it this way unless or until I discover a better way.
These are the amendments and fertilizer I'm using and where I got them:
Chicken Manure Compost (not shown in video, but mixed into the whole bed prior to planting): Ace Hardware
Mushroom Compost: Ace Hardware
Worm Castings: Ace Hardware
Crab Meal: amzn.to/3sKggMz (There is currently a less expensive alternative: amzn.to/44Qv8Xc)
Sustane 4-6-4 Organic Fertilizer (price fluctuates a lot. I buy Jobe' when it's cheaper): amzn.to/48bVKVt
I also have used Jobe's Organic Fertilizer instead of Sustane, and it also works very well. Sometimes I get it at Ace and sometimes I get it online, depending on where I can get the best deal: amzn.to/48sgQPJ
Note: At the time of this posting, the Sustane price is outrageous and I would not buy it at this price. I would buy the Jobe's instead. In the past, I bought Sustane when it was the better deal, but currently it is not. Jobe's is equally good for a much better price (as of 9/13/23).
I also occasionally use liquid fish and seaweed fertilizers during the growing season. These are some that I like:
Neptune's Harvest Tomato & Veg Fertilizer: amzn.to/45Qqaea
MaxiCrop: amzn.to/48eOmbJ
3 окт 2024
