I consider the fertilization of tomatoes is fundamental for them to develop properly, we all want our tomato plant to give the best and tastiest tomatoes. That is why today we will explain how to fertilize tomatoes for maximum yield correctly.
I remember planting tomatoes with my father when I was a child and I didn’t understand why he added manure and other organic products to the tomato soil. Thanks to that over the years I was able to learn how to fertilize tomatoes.
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When Fertilize Tomatoes?
The tomato plant needs to be fertilized especially to facilitate its good fixation to the soil at the time of repotting.
It is for this reason that specialists in the area recommend that fertilizing be done successively in the first month and a half and then rest.
But in addition to regular fertilizing, the plant must be placed in soil that is already well-nourished.
Otherwise, it will be quite difficult for the tomato plant to thrive, let alone produce fruit for harvesting.
Learn more about Yellow Leaves on Tomato Plants.
What Does the Tomato Need?
For this plant to thrive properly, it must contain good levels of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
For this, it is best to use balanced fertilizers that have the same levels of each of these components.
These fertilizers are commercially available, but we can also prepare high-quality versions at home.
What Are the Main Components of Tomatoes Fertilizer?
The main components that the fertilizer should have are the macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
These, in addition to providing the appropriate nutrition for the development of the plant, help to strengthen it against the presence of diseases.
Calcium is another important component to ensure that everything runs smoothly during cultivation.
In some commercially available natural fertilizers, this compound is included.
How To Fertilize Tomatoes – Homemade Tomato Fertilizer
Now we will explain how to fertilize tomatoes. A fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium will be what tomato plants will love and preparing it at home is quite easy and inexpensive.
1- To make it, you will need coffee grounds, chicken manure, and worm humus as ingredients.
2- In this case, coffee will provide potassium, organic matter such as manure will provide phosphorus and humus will provide the microorganisms that will work in the decomposition.
3- To prepare it, simply mix all the ingredients and place it directly around the plant that needs it. We will mix them in equal parts.
4- In the case of tomatoes, one application before planting and one after the tomatoes begin to form will be sufficient for this cycle.
When this tomato fertilizer is to be applied, it can be mixed with composted soil to maximize its potential for action and enrichment of the plant.
Perhaps the most difficult ingredient to obtain is chicken manure. You should order it from a farm near you or buy it online (Order it here).
We have our chickens at home so we use their manure to fertilize the tomatoes.
Where To Buy Fertilizer for Tomatoes?
If you cannot prepare your tomato fertilizer either for lack of time or you cannot get all the ingredients here are the ones we tested and in our opinion are as good as homemade tomato fertilizer.
When To Stop Fertilizing Tomatoes?
We must slowly reduce the fertilization of tomatoes. As soon as we are close to harvest we will stop fertilizing. We should never over-fertilize because it could cause the tomato plant to grow too much and not produce much fruit.
Learn more about How to Prune Tomato Plants.
