A bountiful tomato harvest doesn’t happen by accident. The secret to growing vibrant, juicy, and disease-resistant tomatoes starts before you even plant the seedlings.
A well-prepared planting hole can help with root development, boost nutrient absorption, and protect against pests—leading to a harvest that’s the envy of every gardening enthusiast.
If you want larger, tastier, and more productive tomato plants, you’ll need to go beyond basic soil prep. By adding these eight right amendments, you can create the perfect growing environment and maximize your yield.
1. Crushed Eggshells
Tomatoes thrive on calcium, and crushed eggshells provide a slow-release source of this essential nutrient. Calcium plays a key role in cell wall formation, preventing issues like blossom end rot, a common problem that causes unsightly black spots at the bottom of tomatoes.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
For best results, dry and crush eggshells into fine pieces before adding them to your planting hole. This allows them to break down faster, enriching the soil over time.
Research from the University of Minnesota confirms that calcium deficiencies are one of the leading causes of poor fruit development in tomatoes, making this an easy yet effective solution.
2. Epsom Salt
Magnesium is vital for photosynthesis, and without enough of it, tomato plants struggle to produce energy. Epsom salt, rich in magnesium sulfate, helps prevent yellowing leaves, slow growth, and weak stems.
To use it effectively, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt into the planting hole. A study found that magnesium-deficient tomato plants produce fewer fruits and have reduced chlorophyll levels.
This simple addition ensures your plants stay green, vigorous, and highly productive.
3. Banana Peels
Potassium is crucial for fruit development, and banana peels are one of the best natural sources. Potassium helps tomatoes resist disease, regulate water uptake, and improve overall fruit quality.
Cut banana peels into small pieces and bury them at the bottom of the planting hole. As they decompose, they gradually release potassium, ensuring your plants get a steady supply throughout the season.
4. Bone Meal
For strong roots and plentiful blooms, phosphorus is essential. Bone meal, a natural fertilizer rich in phosphorus and calcium, encourages deep root systems and more flowers—leading to higher yields.
Adding a handful of bone meal to each hole gives your tomato plants a strong start.
5. Coffee Grounds
Nitrogen is essential for healthy foliage and vigorous growth, and coffee grounds provide a gentle, slow-release source. Additionally, they improve soil structure, increasing aeration and water retention.
Work a small handful of used coffee grounds into the soil before planting. Research from Oregon State University confirms that coffee grounds can enhance microbial activity, leading to better nutrient availability and improved soil health.
6. Fish
I know it’s kinda weird, but one of the oldest gardening secrets, fish heads (maybe someone one know is an angler?) decompose slowly, and release nitrogen, phosphorus, and essential trace minerals into the soil. These nutrients fuel growth, strengthen roots and encourage fruit production.
Bury a fish head deep in the planting hole to avoid attracting pests. Studies show that fish-based fertilizers can increase plant growth rates by up to 25% compared to synthetic alternatives.
7. Aspirin
Tomato plants are vulnerable to fungal infections and stress, but aspirin can help. The active ingredient, salicylic acid, triggers a plant’s natural defense mechanisms, making it more resistant to blight, mildew, and bacterial infections.
Crush one aspirin tablet and sprinkle it into the planting hole. A 2019 study by the USDA found that salicylic acid-treated plants had a 47% lower incidence of disease compared to untreated plants.
8. Mulched Leaves
Dry soil and weeds can stunt tomato growth, but adding mulched leaves to the planting hole helps retain moisture and suppress weeds naturally. As the leaves decompose, they also enrich the soil with organic matter.
Shred and mix a handful of leaves into the hole. Studies show that mulched leaves reduce soil evaporation by up to 50%, ensuring tomatoes get the hydration they need during the hot summer months.
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, these simple yet powerful amendments will give your tomato plants the nutrients they need for an abundant harvest.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.