How I Plant Tomatoes the Old-Fashioned Way

If you’re looking for the best way to plant tomatoes naturally, it’s time to dig deep—literally—and go back to the basics. Old-fashioned tomato planting techniques aren’t just charming; they’re incredibly effective. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I plant tomatoes using sardines (or fish heads), eggshells, Epsom salts, and organic fertilizer to grow strong, healthy plants with heavy harvests.

If you’re looking for lush, productive tomato plants that bear sweet, juicy fruit, try this time-tested method. It’s simple, organic, and surprisingly effective. Here’s how I do it, step by step.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Why Plant Tomatoes the Old-Fashioned Way?

Modern gardening has its perks, but natural tomato planting methods passed down through generations are surprisingly powerful. These organic ingredients break down slowly, feeding your plants over time and improving soil health.

Using this method helps:

• Prevent blossom end rot with eggshells (calcium boost)
• Strengthen stems and improve fruit quality with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
• Provide slow-release nitrogen and phosphorus from fish heads or sardines
• Jumpstart growth with organic fertilizer

Supplies You’ll Need To Plant Tomatoes The Old-Fashioned Way

Before you get your hands dirty, gather the following:

• Tomato seedlings
• Sardines or a fish head
• Crushed eggshells (1–2 handfuls)
• 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
• 1 handful organic fertilizer (balanced, e.g., 5-5-5)
• Watering can or hose
• Mulch (straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves)
• Tomato cage, stake, or trellis

Dig Deep (Like, Real Deep)

Start by digging a hole at least 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Tomatoes like to be buried deep—much deeper than most garden plants. This allows them to develop strong roots all along the buried stem, which leads to a sturdier plant that can handle the weight of a heavy crop later on.

Drop in a Sardine (or a Fish Head)

This is where the magic starts. Grandmas and Grandpas swore by this trick. Drop a whole sardine or a fish head into the bottom of the hole. Fish breaks down slowly and provides a long-lasting source of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals your tomatoes will love. I purchase a couple cans of sardines packed in water (not oil!).

If you’re squeamish about the smell or critters, don’t worry—it gets buried deep enough that it won’t be a problem. I’ve never had animals dig it up.

Add Crushed Eggshells

Next, I toss in a good handful of crushed eggshells. Tomatoes are notorious for developing blossom end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency. Eggshells slowly release calcium into the soil and help keep your plants healthy. Bonus: they also help deter slugs.

Tip: Rinse and air-dry the shells for a few days before crushing them. You don’t need to powder them—just break them up a bit.

Add a Scoop of Organic Fertilizer To Plant Tomatoes

I like to use a handful of balanced organic fertilizer (something like a 5-5-5 or 4-6-3 mix) for an early boost. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, especially once they start fruiting, and this gives them a strong start.

Backfill and Plant Deep

Backfill the hole with a few inches of soil to prevent burning the roots, then remove the lower leaves of your tomato seedling and bury it deep, right up to the top set of leaves. That buried stem will sprout roots, making for a stronger, more resilient plant.

Sprinkle in Epsom Salts

Tomatoes also need magnesium to thrive. A tablespoon of Epsom salts mixed in the soil around the plant helps prevent yellowing leaves and promotes strong cell walls and better fruit development. Just don’t go overboard—a little goes a long way.

Water Well and Mulch

Give your tomato a good, deep watering to settle the soil and activate all those natural amendments. Then mulch around the base with straw, shredded leaves, or even grass clippings to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. This year, I am using DIY Ollas to help keep my tomatoes watered well into the hot summer months. Check out how to make some HERE.

Support and Wait for the Magic

Tomatoes need support as they grow, so add a sturdy cage, stake, or trellis early on. Then step back and let nature do her thing. With time, sun, and the occasional watering, your plants will take off—fueled by fish, eggshells, and the kind of wisdom you can’t buy in a bottle.

Tip: Use this method only once per season when planting. No need to repeat these amendments later—just water, feed as needed, and enjoy the harvest. For extra nutrition, I like to use Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.

This method might sound a little old-school, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s simple, inexpensive, and deeply rooted in tradition. Plus, it works like a charm.

So the next time you plant tomatoes, give this old-fashioned trick a try. Your plants will thank you—and so will your taste buds come harvest time.