While the tomato seedlings are growing indoors is the perfect time to prepare the soil that the tomatoes will be transplanted to. This area of the garden should receive no less than 8 hours a day of direct sun and should have rich, loose and well draining soil.
Once the area is selected all weeds should be eliminated as soon as possible. Weeds will strip the soil of all its nutrients rapidly so they should never be allowed to establish themselves. Pulling weeds by their roots is the most effective way to eradicate them and help keep them from returning.
After removing weeds the soil should be tested for pH and nutrients. Tomatoes like soil that is slightly acidic, 6.0-6.8 is ideal. The plants also like a balanced nutrient load, and will produce many more tomatoes when the NPK ratio is around 1:2:2.
High levels of Nitrogen will cause tomato plants to grow large and bushy, but will inhibit actual tomato growth. Areas that recently grew beans or any legume should be avoided because they fix nitrogen into the soil.
Once the nutrient levels have been tested it is time to add compost and any other natural fertilizers to get the nutrients into the ratio desired. A good high quality compost will have around a 1:1:1 ratio, and should be used LIBERALY! To raise Phosphorus bone meal is a great choice and rock potash will add potassium.
After adding compost and fertilizers it is important to keep the soil slightly moist and to protect it from the sun and weeds. Add a thick layer of natural mulch, fall leaves work great for this. The natural mulch will not only protect the soil, but over time it will break down and add more nutrients as well.
