How Much Soil to Plant Ten Tomato Plants?

Plant Spacing

• Tomato plants grow vigorously, producing 6-foot-long vines within one season. Space plants with at least 2 feet between them and 3 to 4 feet between the rows. For 10 tomato plants, you'll need one row 25 feet long, or two rows 12 feet long and spaced 3 to 4 feet apart. Plan on approximately 75 square feet of soil for 10 tomato plants.

Soil Quantities

• If you're hauling in top soil for raised beds or for a garden area, you'll need approximately 50 cubic feet or two cubic yards to fill the area with 8 inches of soil. The most economical way to purchase this much top soil is in bulk through a commercial landscape company. The amount of organic matter in top soil varies greatly. To ensure high-quality soil, reduce the amount of top soil by one- third and replace it with compost or manure.

Growing Method

• Growing method also determines how much soil you'll need. Tomatoes staked to a single stake or trellis require less space than those caged or allowed to sprawl on the ground. For maximum efficiency, stake or trellis tomatoes and space them 2 feet apart. Space caged tomatoes 3 feet apart and ground tomatoes 4 feet apart. Compact bush tomato varieties also take less space than sprawling heirloom indeterminate types.

Considerations

• Don't skimp on space when growing tomatoes. Crowded tomatoes produce fewer fruits and are more prone to disease problems. If garden space is an issue, plant fewer tomato plants or grow them in containers. Tomatoes grow well in 5-gallon containers.