Mister Sister
Active Member
Not having access to a rototiller this year has been a blessing in disguise!
Instead of tilling up the soil, amending with horse manure/compost, I was forced to make my own soil, and I am so glad I did. Not only have I learned a lot about making a good mix, but my tomatoes have absolutely loved it.
Above are two tomato plants started from seed this April. I gave them each 4ft x 4ft area in a raised bed, based on previous years growth. They have already crowded the space, and the total dimensions are approx. 12ft long, 5ft wide, and 6ft tall. There are plenty of green tomatoes and many times more blossoms.
I have 5 other tomato plants in 7gal smart pots, each one already as large as previous years plants (previous years plants were direct in soil, no pots). Again, abundant fruits and blossoms. Sorry the pic is hard to see, the sun was glaring at the time.
For soil plants, I just mixed it directly into an existing bed and transplanted at 2 sets of true leaves. For potted, transplanted directly into this mix (2 true leaves).
I had some leftover Super Soil, about a year old. Here's my recipe, hope it can help someone out there. Peace!
2 bags standard potting soil
1 bag compost/manure (1-1-1)
1/2 bag Super Soil (it wasn't actually bagged SS, but to keep ratios easy to follow)
1/2 cup kelp meal
1 gallon vermiculite
That's all folks. Happy growin!
Instead of tilling up the soil, amending with horse manure/compost, I was forced to make my own soil, and I am so glad I did. Not only have I learned a lot about making a good mix, but my tomatoes have absolutely loved it.
Above are two tomato plants started from seed this April. I gave them each 4ft x 4ft area in a raised bed, based on previous years growth. They have already crowded the space, and the total dimensions are approx. 12ft long, 5ft wide, and 6ft tall. There are plenty of green tomatoes and many times more blossoms.
I have 5 other tomato plants in 7gal smart pots, each one already as large as previous years plants (previous years plants were direct in soil, no pots). Again, abundant fruits and blossoms. Sorry the pic is hard to see, the sun was glaring at the time.
For soil plants, I just mixed it directly into an existing bed and transplanted at 2 sets of true leaves. For potted, transplanted directly into this mix (2 true leaves).
I had some leftover Super Soil, about a year old. Here's my recipe, hope it can help someone out there. Peace!
2 bags standard potting soil
1 bag compost/manure (1-1-1)
1/2 bag Super Soil (it wasn't actually bagged SS, but to keep ratios easy to follow)
1/2 cup kelp meal
1 gallon vermiculite
That's all folks. Happy growin!
