Tomatoes are heavy consumers, which means they need a lot of nutrients to thrive and develop tasty fruit. However, the tomato needs different substrates during its development phases. Can potting soil also be used here?
Young plants have different requirements than older plants
How does the tomato plant grow?
Like any plant, the tomato goes through different stages of development.
The Sowing
Tomato seed is sown in a nutrient-poor soil. Cultivation soil is suitable. This soil should contain the following substances:
- Peat and sand in a ratio of 1:1
- a mixture of perlite, (37.51€) white peat and clay
- fibers from wood or coconut
The roots can develop well in the poor substrate, since the plant has to make an effort to get to the few nutrients. However, potting soil is often contaminated with germs or pests. Therefore, it is advisable to sterilize the soil before use. To do this, the soil is heated to over 100 degrees in the oven or microwave for some time.
The pricking
If small plants have developed from the seeds, they are "pricked out", i.e. planted in individual pots for further development. A more nutrient-rich mixture is now used as soil. Vegetable soil or pricking soil from the garden store is suitable. If you want to make your own soil, mix as follows:
- 40% coir or perlite (volcanic glass for water retention)
- 25% mature compost
- 15% loose garden soil
- 10% bark humus
- 10% sand
Cultivation in beds or tubs
If the tomato plant is strong enough, it can be planted in the bed or in a sufficiently large bucket. In well-fertilized, sufficiently moist and loose garden soil, the tomato will quickly develop into a large perennial and flower. But the container plant also thrives when planted in potting soil. The potting soil is loose, structurally stable and contains a nutrient depot. If this is used up (after about six weeks), the tomato needs a strengthening fertilizer.
Mature garden compost, horn shavings (€32.93) or meal or other organic fertilizer can be used.