Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice as I gear up for this year's gardening. I'm in NJ, near Philly, in Zone 7a, and last year was my first real attempt at growing tomatoes in a 4x8 raised bed. I filled the bed with a mix of about 60% topsoil and 40% composted cow manure. I had a decent yield, but I struggled a lot with tomatoes rotting before ripening and splitting open. I dealt with only minor pest issues towards the end of the season. I realize I didn't adequately feed my plants or amend the soil with the right nutrients, like magnesium. This year, I'm adding a second raised bed and planning to plant beans in the old one, but I need help getting the new bed ready for tomatoes. Specifically, what should I fill it with? When's the best time to plant my tomatoes? And what can I use to keep them fed and healthy? I have some CalMag supplement—will that work? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
2 Answers
For your new raised bed, I recommend using a mix specifically designed for raised garden beds. In my experience, around 7a, I typically plant tomatoes between mid-May and June depending on the weather and my plants' readiness. To keep them thriving, consider using a quality organic dry fertilizer for regular top dressing throughout the summer. A mix of bone meal or rock phosphate in the planting hole can kickstart root growth. Start applying the dry fertilizer by mid-June, every two weeks, and switch to a soluble garden gypsum when your plants start to flower to help prevent issues like blossom end rot. The CalMag you have is useful, but it might not be as effective as gypsum. And remember, if you're seeing cracks in your tomatoes, it could be from overwatering, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Absolutely, egg shells can provide some calcium, but with regular fertilizer, you're likely fine. Just ensure they’re crushed to help them break down quicker!
Your tomato issues may stem from drainage and over-fertilization. It might sound odd, but is your raised bed open at the bottom? For beginners, I suggest using potting soil since it doesn’t compact as easily as garden soil. Over-fertilization is also a common issue, so be cautious about how much you’re using. I've grown veggies even in beach sand with just a light top layer of manure.
Thanks for the heads up! I hadn't considered over-fertilization, I’ll definitely keep that in mind this year. My raised bed does have an open bottom!
Thanks for all this great info! I didn’t use any additional fertilizer last year, so I’m definitely noting the top dressing advice. Do you have a favorite product you could recommend? Also, I'm curious about how often I should be using the soluble garden gypsum once I start feeding them. I usually shop local instead of big box stores—any recommendations on that too? Plus, I eat a lot of eggs; would tossing the shells in the bed help with nutrition, or is it unnecessary with regular fertilizing?