Hokianga Heirloom Tomatoes
Soil Preparation!
Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail
Great soil is the foundation of every thriving tomato plant. It helps to understand its key components — drainage, moisture content, and the risks of soil-borne diseases — as well as how to mulch effectively.
Why Soil Matters in Aotearoa
Soil in Aotearoa varies just like our landscapes. Here in Northland, you might run into clay that holds water or sandy patches that drain too quickly — all within a few metres. That’s why gentle tests like the drainage hole or jar shake can tell you more than a soil map ever could.
Northland is rich with volcanic soils and pockets of loam, but even here, no two gardens are the same. That’s why it pays to get to know your soil first — the simplest tests can reveal whether you need to add compost for structure, lime for balance, or mulch for moisture.
Understanding NZ Soil Types (Quick Overview)
NZ Soil Orders (like Allophanic, Brown, Granular, Organic) — Manaaki Whenua | Landcare Research resources.
Regional quirks (Northland volcanic vs Southland peats vs Canterbury loess).
What it means for gardeners — drainage, fertility, how they respond to compost/lime/mulch.
Simple fixes (e.g. clay → gypsum/compost, sand → organic matter, acidic soils → lime).
We’ll look at soil temperature and knowing when it’s time to plant, whether or not to soil test, how to understand fertilizers and pH, and finally, how to plant out.
4 Simple Soil Tests You Can Do at Home
- Drainage test — dig a hole, fill with water, time the drain.
- Jar shake test — soil + water in a jar, shake, and let layers tell the story.
- Vinegar / Baking soda pH hint — little fizz = alkaline or acidic.
- Worm check — count worms in a hand-scoop of soil — more = living soil.
What's Coming Next
This page is budding! Soon you’ll find simple, tried-and-true ways to prepare your soil — from testing pH to layering mulch — so your tomatoes grow strong and true. For now, take this as a seed of what’s to come, and know the ground is being prepared.”
“See why getting started with seed selection matters first”
“He kai kei aku ringa.”
There is food at the end of my hands.
When you prepare and choose your soil well, you’re placing abundance directly into your own hands.The proverb speaks to self-reliance, resourcefulness, and the idea that what we nurture in the soil will feed us in the future.
- Drainage test — dig a hole, fill with water, time the drain.
© 2025 Tomato Love | Epic Tomato Source for heirloom seeds and seedlings grown in Hokianga. Cultivated with love, history, and mana.
“He iti, he pounamu.”