This multiplicity of options can put you in a dilemma of finding the best fertilizer for tomatoes. We will be providing you with sufficient information on how to make the right choice of fertilizer.
A tomato fertilizer can be a synthetic or natural substance that is included in the soil at appropriate times to promote soil fertility and thus the growth of tomatoes.
Chemical Composition of a Tomato Fertilizer : Ideally, a potent fertilizer should contain macronutrients in form of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N, P, K) and some other micronutrients like calcium, boron, iron, molybdenum, and zinc.Functions of the Macronutrients and Micronutrients Present in the Fertilizer : The macronutrients are needed by the soil in substantial amounts, while the micronutrients provide auxiliary roles in the fertility objective of fertilizers.
These macronutrients are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). The best fertilizers should have their concentration in the ratio of 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 and not 10-8-10 as seen in many fertilizers.
Nitrogen is necessary to promote lush green stems and leaves, but when its concentration becomes excessive, it often leads to the production of longer stems and big leaves, with fewer fruits to account for such mighty foliage.
In essence, the best fertilizers for tomatoes when choosing should have lower concentrations of nitrogen compared to other macronutrients. You need healthier fruits, not longer stems, and leaves.
4. Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes: Continuous supply of nutrients below the surface5. Botanicare Cal-Mag Plus Calcium Magnesium & Iron Plant Supplement: – Highly beneficial calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace mineral plant nutrient supplement– It helps maximize yields in fruiting and flowering plant varieties like tomatoes– This plant supplement prevents blossom end rot in tomatoes
The most ideal time for the application of tomato fertilizer, are before planting the seeds, and when they are starting to blossom. Meaning, when you start seeing the first fruits, you can apply the fertilizer again. It should be continuous, perhaps fortnightly or weekly until it reaches its harvest time.
Nutrients like phosphorus are responsible for the growth of roots as well as fruits. If the roots don’t establish themselves faster and adequately, they can’t lead to the bearing of fruits.
Prepping the Soil : Before applying fertilizers, you should prep the soil. If you are using soil beds, they should be well made and sprinkled with some other organic matter, especially compost. The compost should be about 30% of the mixture of the total soil.Why the Preparations?: The preparations will have to be in order because you will have to prepare your soil bed in a way that it will be loose, and not too compact that you can’t pierce your finger through it uninhibited.
Using the Fertilizer : After tilling the hole up to about 6’ inches deep, add the natural fertilizer at the base of the hole. If you are using a synthetic one, add a thin layer of soil between the fertilizer to avert root burning.
Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes. How to Feed Your Plant for Ultimate Harvest
The best fertilizer for tomatoes can be found in any fertilizing product where the nitrogen composition is minimal, because an excess in nitrogen promotes foliage, at the expense of the growth of each fruit.