We have clay soil and I've planted tomato plants. I did include some proper soil when planting, but now I'm...

worried that the clay soil will hinder the growth of the plants. Any veteran clay soil gardeners out there?

We have clay soil and I've planted tomato plants. I did include some proper soil when planting, but now I'm...
Hi:


I am a landscaper and designer and live in zone seven, which is very clay base soil. The key to doing any successful garden is properly preparing. Also consider adding some organic mushroom compost to your soil when in a clay base area. This is a great organic fertilizer and will last up to one year. Your tomatoes will love it. Since you have included proper soil mixture, you should have no problem growing your tomatoes.





I will link you to the plan - prep - plant page of my website. This is an easy method to do any style garden. I will also link you to the site map, as this page has everything that is on the website. There are many articles, tips and techniques that may give you additional information. I think you will do fine as long as the tomatoes get sunlight and enough water. Good luck to you and have a great day!


Kimberly





http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...





http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:Clay restricts the growth of the roots, so they can't spread out and find the nutrients the plant needs. You will have to supply the nutrients as the plant depletes them from the soil around it.





Circle the tomato plant with a LOW nitrogen fertilizer. A ring about 5 inches from the stem will be just right. Now mulch the tomato by doing the following:





Cover the ground with newspaper in a 3 ft. circle around the Tomato Plant. Cover the newspapers with straw or grass clippings. Water will go through newspaper and straw or grass clippings.





The roots will grow under the newspaper and find the fertilizer and all the nutrients it needs. The Mulch will also hold in the moisture and keep out weeds.





After the Tomato is through bearing fruit, till the remaining straw and newspaper into the ground as a soil amendment.
Reply:Clay soil will work fine. You may want to add some compost to the soil every year. This will increase the ability of the soil to hold water over time, in addition will give the plants the nutrients they need to grow. The soil will need to be cultivated over a period of time to increase the yield.
Reply:I have 96 tomato plants that are going wild in clay soil right now--the best way to be sure they thrive is to add some Miracle-Gro for tomatoes (about 1 cup of liquid per plant). I only planted 3 weeks ago, and I've already got green tomatoes, and each plant is covered with blooms!
Reply:Clay is good, clay holds moisture well.