Technically, tomatoes are not "acid-loving" plants.
Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes aren't exactly "acid-loving" plants. Tomatoes do prefer a slightly acidic soil pH, but do not like very acidic soils. Even more important than soil pH, tomatoes require steady moisture and well-draining soil. They also require large amounts of fertilizer. If your soil is very alkaline, however, you may need to amend it with sulfur.
Soil pH
The ideal soil pH for tomato plants is 5.8 to 6.5, which is classified as "slightly acidic." The one caveat to this soil pH range is when your tomato plants are at risk for blossom-end rot, which is a disease often spurred by calcium deficiency. If you're concerned about blossom-end rot, perhaps due to the disease occurring previously in your garden tomato plants, maintain a soil pH of 6 to 6.5 instead. If your soil is too acidic, you may need to amend it with lime or gypsum to increase the pH, according to the results of a soil test.
Preparation
In the absence of a soil test, you can achieve appropriate soil acidity through adequate fertilization. Tomatoes are heavy feeders that demand large amounts of nitrogen. When you first plant your tomato transplants, apply a starter fertilizer solution, following the instructions on the label.
Fertilizers
When the first tomatoes reach the size of quarters, sidedress the plant rows with 1.5 oz. of a 33-0-0 fertilizer per 10 feet of row -- the numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use 1 lb. of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row or about 1 tbsp. per tomato plant. To side-dress the tomato plants, spread the fertilizer evenly along the rows, a few inches away from the plants. About two weeks after the first tomato ripens, sidedress the tomato plants again with a 5-10-5 NPK fertilizer. Apply this fertilizer again about one month later. Water the plant thoroughly after applying the fertilizers. Do not get the fertilizer on the leaves or fruits.
Other Care
After the soil warms up fully, in late spring or early summer, spread a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch on the soil around the tomato plants to preserve soil moisture. Water the tomato plants during dry spells to ensure they receive at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water every week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Stake, trellis or cage your tomato plants to provide adequate support, which will reduce the chance of diseases, ensure proper growth and prevent bruising or damaging of the fruits.
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