The 8 Best Things to Put in the Hole When Planting Tomatoes 🍅
Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in any home garden. They’re vibrant, productive, and bursting with flavor when nurtured properly.
But if you want to take your tomato harvest from good to extraordinary, there’s a simple secret many seasoned gardeners swear by—what you put in the hole before you plant your tomatoes matters more than you think.
By enriching the planting hole with the right combination of natural boosters, you’ll give your tomato plants a head start on growth, improve nutrient availability, encourage stronger roots, and even prevent disease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 8 best things to put in the tomato planting hole—complete with expert tips, nutrient science, and hands-on advice for bigger, healthier, more flavorful tomatoes.
1. 🥚 Crushed Eggshells – Long-Term Calcium for Strong Fruit
Crushed eggshells are an excellent natural source of calcium. Tomatoes are prone to blossom end rot, a condition caused by calcium deficiency.
How to Use:
- Dry and crush the eggshells completely.
- Add 1 tablespoon into the bottom of the planting hole.
- Mix lightly with surrounding soil for better distribution.
Dr. Leila Nour, Soil Science Expert, says: “Calcium from eggshells releases slowly, preventing disorders like blossom end rot and helping maintain healthy cell walls in fruit.”
2. 🌱 Compost – Organic Matter for Root & Soil Health
Compost delivers beneficial microorganisms, humus, and essential nutrients directly to the root zone. It’s foundational for soil fertility.
How to Use:
- Add 1–2 cups of well-aged compost to each planting hole.
- Mix it gently into surrounding soil to prevent shock.
Prof. Mark Benson, Plant Biologist, adds: “Compost improves root aeration, nutrient uptake, and disease resistance all at once.”
3. 💧 Epsom Salt – Boost Magnesium for Greener Leaves
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is essential for photosynthesis and fruit development. Deficiency often causes yellow leaves with green veins.
How to Use:
- Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to the bottom of the hole.
- Mix well before placing the plant in.
4. 🦴 Bone Meal – Phosphorus for Strong Roots and Flowers
Bone meal is rich in phosphorus and calcium, helping develop deep roots and abundant blooms for a fruitful tomato season.
How to Use:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons to each hole.
- Mix into the bottom soil before planting.
5. 🐟 Fish Scraps – Natural Fertilizer Rich in NPK & Micronutrients
Fish heads and bones are time-tested gardening aids that release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals as they decompose.
How to Use:
- Place a small fish head or bundle of scraps in the hole.
- Cover with 3–4 inches of soil before planting.
- Wrap scraps in newspaper if pest issues are a concern.
Tip: Freeze fish scraps before use for easier handling.
6. 💊 Aspirin – Strengthen Immunity & Prevent Disease
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) mimics a natural plant hormone that boosts disease resistance and stress tolerance.
How to Use:
- Place 1 uncoated 325 mg aspirin in the hole.
- Cover lightly with soil before inserting the tomato plant.
Studies show aspirin activates tomato plants’ systemic acquired resistance (SAR), helping fend off fungal infections.
7. ☕ Used Coffee Grounds – Nitrogen & Soil Life Boost
Coffee grounds improve soil structure, provide slow-release nitrogen, and attract beneficial earthworms.
How to Use:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of used grounds per hole.
- Mix with compost or soil to prevent acid buildup.
8. 🍌 Banana Peel – Potassium for Flowers and Fruit
Banana peels break down to release potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients essential for fruiting and flowering.
How to Use:
- Chop 1 banana peel into small pieces.
- Place in the planting hole and cover with soil before planting.
Table: Ingredients and Their Tomato-Growing Benefits
| Ingredient | Key Nutrients | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Eggshells | Calcium | Prevents blossom end rot |
| Compost | Balanced NPK + microbes | Improves overall plant health |
| Epsom Salt | Magnesium | Boosts leaf growth and fruit set |
| Bone Meal | Phosphorus, Calcium | Stronger roots and flowers |
| Fish Scraps | NPK + micronutrients | Feeds entire plant slowly |
| Aspirin | Salicylic acid | Improves plant immunity |
| Used Coffee Grounds | Nitrogen | Fuels leafy growth, attracts worms |
| Banana Peel | Potassium, Phosphorus | Enhances flowering and fruit size |
Bonus Tips for Planting Tomatoes Successfully 🌞
- Bury the Stem Deep: Remove lower leaves and bury 2/3 of the stem to encourage root growth along the stem.
- Water Thoroughly: After planting, soak deeply to help roots settle into enriched soil.
- Mulch Immediately: Add mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent disease splash.
- Stake or Cage Early: Install supports at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later.
Why This Tomato Hole Method Works 🚀
Each ingredient serves a key role:
- Calcium (eggshells, bone meal, fish): Prevents rot and supports fruit firmness.
- Magnesium (Epsom salt): Supports nutrient absorption and fruit quality.
- Phosphorus & Potassium (bone meal, banana peel, fish): Promote strong roots and abundant flowers.
- Nitrogen (compost, coffee grounds, fish): Fuels vigorous green growth early in the season.
- Salicylic acid (aspirin): Builds plant resilience to blight and environmental stress.
FAQs – Tomato Planting Hole Tips ❓
- Can I use raw fish in the garden?
Yes—just bury it deep enough (3–4 inches) to avoid smells and pests. - Is Epsom salt safe for daily use?
Not daily. Use once at planting. Too much can imbalance soil magnesium levels. - Do banana peels attract insects?
Not if buried properly. Chop finely to help decompose quickly. - Will coffee grounds make the soil too acidic?
Used coffee grounds are only mildly acidic and safe in moderation. - Should aspirin be coated or uncoated?
Use uncoated aspirin to dissolve quickly in soil. - Can I use these methods in pots?
Yes—just reduce quantities proportionally and ensure good drainage. - How deep should I plant tomatoes?
Bury two-thirds of the stem. This promotes strong roots along the buried part. - Is bone meal safe for pets?
It can be harmful if ingested by pets. Bury it well or avoid if animals dig in your garden. - How soon will I see results?
Stronger plants typically emerge within 2–3 weeks of planting with this method. - Can I mix all ingredients at once?
Yes, in the right proportions. Layering them ensures slow release and reduces risk of overfeeding.
Final Thoughts 🌿
If you want the biggest, juiciest, and healthiest tomatoes, it all starts with what you put in the planting hole.
By using natural, nutrient-rich materials like compost, bone meal, eggshells, and banana peels, you create an environment where your tomato plants can thrive—fighting off disease, producing strong roots, and yielding pounds of sweet, sun-ripened fruit.
So next time you’re ready to plant, don’t just dig and drop—supercharge the hole and watch your tomatoes grow like never before! 🍅🌞
