What to put in the hole when planting tomatoes in a greenhouse

Tomatoes aren't the most demanding crop, but gardeners often complain about poor yields. Even when choosing regional tomato varieties and following all agricultural recommendations, the results may still be disappointing. The fact is that the quantity and quality of fruit is directly related to the nutrients in the soil. That's why it's important to fertilize the plants when transplanting them into the ground.

Why fertilize the holes?

Every gardener dreams of a bountiful harvest of delicious and healthy tomatoes. But the soil only becomes depleted over time. Therefore, to provide the crop with vitamins, minerals, and microelements in advance, fertilizers are used.

Modern gardeners have a choice between folk remedies and special chemical preparations sold in agricultural stores.

Tomatoes planted in fertilized holes produce high-quality fruit. Experienced vegetable growers claim that the ratio of root system to above-ground part of the plant is 1:15. To obtain the necessary nutrients, the plant expends a lot of energy.

The average yield from one tomato plant is 5 kg of fruit. To achieve this, it requires 2 g of potassium, 0.5 g of phosphorus, and 1.5 g of nitrogen.

Digging the soil is essential, as it oxygenates the soil and kills harmful insects. Digging and turning the soil should be done to a depth of a shovel blade.

How to apply fertilizer correctly?

Soil preparation and nutrient addition should be done in the fall, after the harvest has been completed. Twenty-four hours before transplanting the seedlings from the greenhouse to the garden, dig holes and apply a complete nightshade fertilizer. After planting, lightly compact the soil and add a small amount of compost or topsoil to the surface of the holes.

The amount of fertilizer applied requires control, since an overdose of one of the components may damage the roots of the vegetable crop.

How to prepare compost?

The quality of the soil changes significantly after adding this component. Compost is prepared in different ways, and every gardener has their own recipe. Beginners are best off using the following method:

• take a box or dig a hole for organic matter in a remote area;
• place household waste there, for example, vegetable and fruit peelings, fallen leaves, tops, weeds, wood chips, sawdust, ash - that is, all components of plant origin that can rot;
• Place branches, wood chips and sawdust on the bottom of the box, and alternate 40-50 cm of waste with soil on top;
• stir the compost during the “ripening” process so that it is saturated with oxygen and the salts and organic matter are distributed evenly;
• To prevent the humus from drying out, water it with water or a manure solution in the summer.

Cat, dog, and human feces should not be included in compost, as they are sources of parasites. Citrus fruits, bones, milk, and diseased plants should also be avoided.

What do they put in the holes?

Chemical compositions

Gardeners now have a wide selection of balanced fertilizers available on the market and in specialty stores. These fertilizers are placed in the holes when replanting tomatoes. The key difference is that these products are formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals for tomatoes and other nightshade plants.

According to experienced agronomists, the best fertilizers to apply to seedling holes are: AgriCola, Zdraven, and Multiflor.

Substances such as saltpeter, urea, and superphosphate diluted in water act quickly and have a noticeable effect. They should be dissolved and used only according to the instructions. Not only a shortage but also an excess of fertilizers can negatively impact crop yields.

Folk remedies

There are gardeners who rightly believe that natural fertilizers are safer than chemical ones and prefer them.

Onion peel

The component is placed in the holes along with the seeds. This will ensure rapid germination and vigorous growth of the shoots. The seedlings are unaffected by temperature fluctuations and cold winds. They are not susceptible to infestation by black flies or spider mites.

When planting tomatoes outdoors, place a handful of onion peels under each young tomato plant. This will ensure normal growth and fruit production. The esters contained in this natural fertilizer repel the Colorado potato beetle and prevent root rot.

It is recommended to spray tomatoes that have already taken root in the garden with an onion solution:

• take 2 large handfuls of husks;
• pour boiling water over them to a depth of about 15 cm and leave for several hours;
• the tincture is diluted in water;
• make a solution in the ratio: 2 liters of infusion per 1 bucket of water.

To prevent powdery mildew and other fungal infections, spraying twice a season is sufficient. This procedure is performed during the formation of flowers and fruit buds.

Ash

A very useful fertilizer for tomatoes can be made by burning wood, dry plants, and straw. If you place the seedlings in a hole with a handful of ash, humus, or compost, they will root quickly.

Eggshell

Enriches the soil with calcium. The ingredient should be peeled, completely dried, and crushed with a mortar. Eggshells are a lime fertilizer that reduces soil acidity.

Yeast

This type of feeding helps tomatoes develop faster and adapt to their new surroundings. 10 grams of freshly pressed tomatoes are diluted in 10 liters of warm water and left for 24 hours.

Features of watering

Newly planted seedlings shouldn't be watered immediately. This can be done once every few days, with the soil irrigated in between. The soil shouldn't dry out; it needs to be moistened periodically.

It takes about a week for the tomato plant's root system to strengthen and adapt to the open ground. Only after this time can the transplanted tomatoes be watered. After 14 days, they can be earthed up to the full height of the stem, but no more than 10 cm.