The Best Soil for Growing Tomatoes in Raised Beds

Growing juicy, flavorful tomatoes is a goal for many gardeners. And raised beds can provide the ideal environment for getting a bountiful tomato harvest. When it comes to soil for raised bed tomatoes, using the right mix is key. This article will cover everything you need to know about choosing and preparing soil for raised bed tomatoes.

Why Choose Raised Beds for Tomatoes?

Raised garden beds provide many advantages for growing tomatoes They allow you to control the soil mix and drainage while reducing weed and disease pressure Here are some of the top reasons to grow tomatoes in a raised bed

• Improved drainage – Raised beds prevent water from pooling and allow excess moisture to drain away more readily. Tomatoes need consistently moist but not soggy soil.

• Warmer soil – The soil in raised beds warms up more quickly in spring, giving tomatoes an earlier start on the growing season

• Customized soil – With raised beds, you can create the ideal soil environment by filling the bed with a quality potting mix amended with organic matter.

• Less bending – Working in a raised bed reduces back strain since there is no need to bend over as far to tend to the plants.

• Deter pests – Raised beds can deter pests like slugs and snails that hide in ground debris. There are fewer places for them to hide in a raised bed.

Choosing the Right Soil Mix

When preparing soil for raised bed tomatoes, using a lightweight potting mix or soilless growing medium as the base is recommended. This helps prevent the bed from becoming too heavy and allows for better drainage.

Here are some good options to use as a base:

• High-quality potting mix or soilless planting mix
• Coconut coir or a coir/peatmoss blend
• Compost blended with perlite or vermiculite

Avoid using subsoil or clayey native garden soil in raised beds, as this can become compacted.

Amending the Soil Mix for Tomatoes

While a quality potting mix provides an ideal starting point, tomatoes perform best with additional organic matter worked into the soil.

Plan to amend the soil with:

• 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure – This should be mixed into the top 6-12 inches of soil to provide nutrients.

• Worm castings – Worm castings add beneficial microbes and provide a slow-release source of nitrogen. Add 1-2 cups per square foot of bed space.

• Bone meal – Add 1-2 tablespoons per square foot. Bone meal supplies phosphorus for root growth and fruiting.

• Granular organic tomato fertilizer – Use at planting time and per label instructions during the growing season.

• Calcium amendments – Add crushed eggshells, gypsum, or calcified seaweed to help prevent blossom end rot.

Getting the pH Right

Tomatoes prefer a soil pH between 6.0-6.8. Test the pH of your soil mix and amend if needed.

To raise pH, add lime or wood ashes. To lower pH, amend with sulfur. Make adjustments 2-3 weeks before planting and re-test to ensure you reach the target pH range.

Preparing Raised Bed Soil Step-by-Step

Follow these steps when preparing soil for raised bed tomatoes:

1. Fill the raised bed with potting mix to within a few inches of the top.

2. Moisten the soil, then add a 2-3 inch layer of compost or manure over the surface.

3. Mix in worm castings and sprinkle on bone meal.

4. Dig the amendments into the top 6 inches of soil.

5. Take a soil sample and test the pH, adjust if needed.

6. Refill the bed with potting mix to within 2 inches of the top edge.

7. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, allowing the bed to settle.

8. Top off with remaining potting mix right before planting.

9. Create planting holes, fill with compost and transplant seedlings.

Ongoing Care of Raised Bed Soil

Proper care will keep your raised bed soil healthy and productive over time:

• Each year, top dress beds with 1-2 inches of finished compost or manure before planting.

• Use mulch around plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

• Avoid walking directly on the bed to prevent soil compaction. Use boards or pavers for access.

• Test soil nutrients annually and amend if needed to maintain proper pH and nutrient levels.

• Every 2-3 years, remove and replace the top few inches of soil or redo the entire bed to “reset” the growing medium.

Ideal Tomato Varieties for Raised Beds

Bush tomatoes and determinate varieties are compact choices ideal for raised beds. Some top options include:

• Bush Beefsteak
• Bush Early Girl
• Celebrity
• Red Robin
• Patio
• Sweet 100
• Husky Cherry Red

You can also grow indeterminate tomatoes in raised beds using tall stakes or cages for support. Or plant vining varieties along one side of the bed and train vines up a trellis.

Growing tomatoes in raised beds allows for better drainage, warmer soil, and superior nutrition when you customize the soil mix. With the right amendments, balanced pH and ongoing care, raised garden beds can help you achieve your goals for a bountiful tomato harvest. Paying close attention to soil preparation is one of the keys to tomato success.