A box for tomatoes. Our grandmothers’ trick is interesting

Growing tomatoes is a traditional pastime for many of us. It would be very difficult to find a garden today where tomatoes aren’t being grown. There are plenty of different tricks that can help us when growing tomatoes. We’ll take a look at a well-known trick from our grandmothers that involves mulching. We won’t forget about the types of mulch and the rules of mulching either. So what’s the deal with boxes around tomatoes and mulching?

There are several benefits to mulching tomatoes

First and foremost, mulch offers perfect protection for the roots and rootlets. It also protects the lower parts of the plants, which can be susceptible to various diseases. Mulching will definitely improve the conditions for growing tomatoes. Among other things, mulch helps retain sufficient moisture around the plants, which they definitely need.

Photo: Radek Stepan

What is most commonly used to mulch tomatoes?

Straw is the classic choice. It keeps the soil moist. We also tried cut grass, which wasn’t bad either. Geotextile didn’t work very well for us. The soil became very compacted, which wasn’t exactly ideal for the tomatoes. Our grandmothers had a very interesting idea, which involved using cardboard. This became a sort of foundation for mulching tomatoes. So how do you do it?

Tip: Care for raspeberry in autumn. How do you do it?

The idea with cardboard boxes is worth trying

Place the cardboard boxes around the plant seedlings so that there is no space between them. Water all these boxes and weigh them down on the sides with stones. This way, the wind simply can’t blow them away. Then add another layer on top of the cardboard, such as straw, bark, or wood chips. It’s important to use cardboard that doesn’t contain pieces of tape or any other non-eco-friendly components. We definitely don’t need microplastics or heavy metals in the garden. If you decide you don’t like this mulch after a few waterings, simply remove it. Nothing complicated.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about mulching tomatoes

What kind of cardboard should I use?

Eco-friendly paper boxes are best.

What goes on top of the boxes?

Straw or grass.

Can you water strawberries this way?

Yes, you can water through the mulch layers.

Sources: Author

Preview photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan