How to Grow Tomatoes in Sand

Sandy soil needs to be modified to hold the nutrients tomatoes require.

Tomatoes are a popular garden vegetable, but they can be tricky to grow depending on your climate and soil. Sand is not the optimal soil for growing tomato plants because it does not retain nutrients or moisture. If you have your heart set on growing tomatoes in your sandy yard, there are some steps you can take to amend your soil so that it is perfectly fertile.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Peat moss, 3 cubic feet per 100 square feet of garden
• Horse or cow manure

Instructions

1. Dig a 12-inch trench where you will plant the tomatoes.

2. Combine the peat moss, manure and sand and mix it thoroughly in the trough. Leave the soil stacked above the ground level slightly so that the soil can settle into the trench. Wait two months before planting any tomatoes to allow for settling and incorporation.

3. Plant the tomatoes following the nursery's instructions for spacing.

4. Water the plants regularly. Tomato plants should never have dry soil, as it will trigger skin hardening and result in cracking.

References

• University Of Arizona: Growing Tomatoes Above 6000 Foot Elevations In Arizona
• NJ: Taking Soil From Sandy To Sweet