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Finding the best fertilizer for tomatoes and knowing how to apply it can be the difference between average and show-stopping plants. However, choosing the right fertilizer can be a challenge, even for the experienced gardener.
Whether you have one plant or dozens, you probably want to grow tomatoes that look beautiful and taste great, too. But different plants have different needs, and it’s crucial to find a fertilizer that meets them.
So, how does fertilizer help boost your tomatoes' size, color, and flavor in the first place? And how do you choose the best fertilizer for tomatoes with so many types to choose from?
How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes in Your Garden
Buying the right kind of fertilizer for your tomato plants helps ensure that they have sufficient vital nutrients. Without these nutrients, they can't produce healthy fruit.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right fertilizer for your tomato plant:
Condition Speaks Volumes
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Before planting your tomatoes, you need to examine the condition of the soil. First, check if you have sandy or clay soil, and then figure out the soil’s pH.
To determine the soil condition, you can perform a soil test. This test will tell you the pH level of your soil and the nutrients present in it.
You can buy at-home testers or contact your county extension office to ask about having a professional test done.
In order to grow your tomato plants to their maximum potential, you need to ensure that the soil composition is good. You can improve the soil by mixing organic ingredients like a soil conditioner, compost, and other plant-friendly materials.
It's All About Stages
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Tomatoes need different nutrients during various stages of their development. If your tomato plants are seedlings, and the leaves are just emerging from the soil, you should buy a tomato fertilizer that contains high amounts of phosphorus.
Such fertilizers strengthen the root system of the plant.
If you have established plants, a potassium-rich fertilizer will help them produce bigger tomatoes and stay healthy at the same time.
While nitrogen is crucial to the development of healthy foliage, too much can lead to plants with less fruit and too many leaves. So, for tomatoes and other vegetables, fertilizer with lower levels of nitrogen is best.
Striking a Balance
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Fertilizer labels indicate the ratio of key nutrients in the format N:P:K. This ratio refers to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium present in the fertilizer, in that order.
Plants need nitrogen to synthesize chlorophyll, which promotes healthy growth of stems and leaves. They need phosphorus for normal development and maturation.
On the other hand, potassium helps the tomato plant create sturdy and strong root systems.
Fertilizers may also contain organic ingredients, minerals, and micronutrients (most importantly, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur) that are beneficial for plants.
Calcium helps neutralize toxic substances in the soil and prevents disease. On top of that, it helps create a balanced environment for the plants to grow.
On the other hand, magnesium helps with photosynthesis and the production of chlorophyll. Sulfur assists in the growth of the plant.
Choose the Right Application Type
Of course, choosing the right fertilizer isn't just about what's in it. It's also about how you apply the fertilizer to your plants.
Here are some of the different kinds of tomato plant fertilizers you can use:
Granules, Granules, Everywhere
Granular fertilizers are sprinkled around the tomato plant. To activate these fertilizers, you need to water them with a watering can or a garden hose.
This type of fertilizer is nice because it tends to have a long shelf life and is easy to apply exactly where you want it.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Because slow-release fertilizers release nutrients over time, the benefits of one application can last up to two months. As a result, you don't need to reapply as often.
It's important to know that it may take some time to notice the desired results, and your soil’s pH level may even decrease the effectiveness of the fertilizer. If you want to get the most from these fertilizers, check the soil’s pH before you apply.
Dissolve Away
Water-soluble fertilizer, as the name implies, dissolves into water. You can also mix this fertilizer directly into the soil and then use a hose or watering can to wet the soil. Either way, your plants will readily absorb the nutrients through its roots.
You can also use this kind of tomato fertilizer for greenhouse plants, indoor potted plants, and outdoor landscape plants.
For many gardeners, water-soluble fertilizer is absolutely the best fertilizer for tomatoes (and everything else). But it does have some drawbacks.
Primarily, you need to keep in mind that certain water-soluble fertilizers can harm your plants' leaves. Avoid using too much fertilizer and try to aim at the base of your plants when applying.
What's in a Liquid?
A liquid tomato plant food readily provides nutrients to your tomatoes, which means you'll see results extremely quickly. Depending on the product, you can apply liquid fertilizer using a watering can, garden sprayer, or spray bottle.
Also, remember to dilute liquid solutions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most are highly concentrated and can harm seedlings.
Go Organic
While synthetic tomato fertilizers contain chemicals, organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly and are 100 percent safe to use around pets and kids.
Also, these fertilizers contain natural ingredients. That being said, organic tomato fertilizers may come with a strong odor, due to the inclusion of fish byproducts, and may do their job at a slower rate.
An important thing to keep in mind is that organic fertilizers should be approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) or a similar organization. Otherwise, you have no way of confirming that they're actually organic.
How We Reviewed the Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes
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To help you find the best fertilizer for tomatoes, we compared a variety of different fertilizers. Some of the key product information we focused on included ingredients, safety hazards, application type, nutrient ratios, and overall effectiveness.
We also referenced professional and consumer reviews from sites like MorningChores, Amazon, and other sources. By comparing ingredients, nutrient ratios, and real gardener experiences, we were able to put together a list of the eight best fertilizers for tomato plants.
8 of the Best Tomato Plant Fertilizers You Can Pick up Today
To help you find the best fertilizer for tomatoes, we compared a variety of different fertilizers. Some of the key product information we focused on included ingredients, safety hazards, application type, nutrient ratios, and overall effectiveness.
We also referenced professional and consumer reviews from sites like MorningChores, Amazon, and other sources. By comparing ingredients, nutrient ratios, and real gardener experiences, we were able to put together a list of the eight best fertilizers for tomato plants.
Jobe's Organics Vegetable Fertilizer Spikes
- All natural, environmentally friendly
- OMRI listed for organic gardening
- No mixing or measuring
This fertilizer is specially designed to feed plants at the roots. It offers a number of benefits for all veggies, but especially for tomatoes.
First, the fertilizer improves the soil quality for your prized tomato plants. Second, it prevents the depletion of essential nutrients and increases nutrient uptake. Third, it decreases the risk of drought, insects, and disease.
Also, this fertilizer is pre-measured, giving your tomato plants the right amount of nutrients with zero guesswork.
What’s else is impressive about these fertilizer spikes? Well, the organic formula is sustainable, biodegradable, and renewable. This fertilizer does not contain any harmful chemicals and builds a healthy ecosystem for the environment and your family.
Plus, these fertilizer spikes contain Jobe’s Biozome, which is a proprietary combination of microorganisms, Archaea, and Amazon. These ingredients enhance root mass and improve soil quality over time.
This tomato fertilizer has a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Most buyers recommended this fertilizer and said that it's the best fertilizer for tomatoes they've tried.
Espoma Organic Tomato-tone
- FOR USE ON: Use Tomato-tone organic fertilizer for all types of tomatoes; both heirloom and hybrid. It Produces plump,...
- CONTAINS: Tomato-tone is a rich blend of the finest natural & organic ingredients enhanced with our exclusive Bio-tone...
- WHEN / HOW TO USE: Best to use Tomato-tone fertilizer every two weeks through the growing season. Apply to the soil...
The Espoma Organic Tomato-tone fertilizer is approved for organic gardening and includes many living microorganisms. In other words, it's a great choice for your tomato plants.
This organic fertilizer contains 8 percent calcium. If your tomatoes suffer from blossom end rot, a disorder caused by low calcium that creates leathery lesions on the stem tips, this is a great formula to try.
This formula offers continual feeding and is specially formulated to encourage the growth of juicy, plump tomatoes!
While this fertilizer is organic and safe for the environment, it's also a complete plant food containing 15 important nutrients.This fertilizer has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars from Amazon customers. Most reviewers are happy with the formula, saying that it works great and is easy to apply.
Dr. Earth Home Grown Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
- For more nutritious and tasty vegetables
- Optimum levels of primary plant nutrients
- Contains no GMOs, chicken manure or sewage sludge
The Dr. Earth Home Grown Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer is designed for native backyard soil, containers, and vegetable gardens. You can use this organic fertilizer during your initial seed planting, transplanting, or throughout the season.
This organic formula is safe to use around pets and people. It's also free from toxic ingredients, chicken manure, and synthetic chemicals.
In fact, this fertilizer is made from food-grade ingredients. It contains carbohydrates, minerals, humic acid, protein, and trace elements that encourage healthy soil.
This organic fertilizer has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. Buyers say that it makes their crops healthy and strong, making it a great contender for the best fertilizer for tomatoes.
Jobe’s Organics Vegetable & Tomato Granular
- Organic granular fertilizer; Fast acting fertilizer for vegetables and tomatoes for a more abundant harvest
- OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA; Certified organic means no synthetic chemicals
- Contains Jobe Biozome; Extremely aggressive proprietary microorganism archaea that aggressively breaks down material for...
Here's another formula containing the Jobe’s Biozome blend. The Jobe's Organics Vegetable & Tomato Granular fertilizer promotes the growth of beneficial soil microbes around your plants' roots.
This fertilizer is perfect for tomatoes as it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals. In fact, this fertilizer is specifically made to help tomatoes and other vegetables grow their best.
This granular fertilizer will also protect your tomato plant against disease and insects.
This organic fertilizer holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Reviewers note that it's an excellent fertilizer for tomatoes and other vegetable crops.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food
- Instantly feeds to grow bigger, more bountiful vegetables versus unfed plants
- Feed every 1-2 weeks
- Great for tomatoes and vegetables
Now, this is definitely a fertilizer brand you'll recognize. The Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food is designed for use on tomatoes and other vegetables.
The formula contains vital nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, nitrogen, zinc, iron, magnesium, and copper. These nutrients help your tomato plant grow and flourish.
Also, the fertilizer is safe and will not burn your tomato plants if used as instructed. And since the formula is water-soluble, you can save time by feeding and watering your tomatoes at the same time!
On Amazon, this fertilizer scores a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars. One reviewer said that this product works well with both their pepper and tomato plants.
Organic Plant Magic Instant Compost Tea
- New Package - Same Amazing Product that Plants & Customers LOVE!
- EASY & ALL PURPOSE - Simply grow healthy plants and beautiful gardens... Just add directly to seed, soil, transplant...
- A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY - 1/2 lb bag makes 32+ gallons or treats up to 1,000 sf of soil or plants. Provides benefits of...
According to the manufacturer, Organic Plant Magic Instant Compost Tea is 100 percent safe for use around pets and kids. It also works great for all growth stages and is packed with micronutrients, trace minerals, and essential elements.
The Organic Plant Magic also claims this fertilizer will never burn your plants. Apart from this, the fertilizer contains thousands of beneficial microorganisms that feed your tomato plant and nourish the soil. It strengthens your tomato plant and protects it from disease and pests.
This fertilizer has a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Most reviewers were very happy with this fertilizer. They praise the fact it's organic, easy to use, and, most importantly, works perfectly.
Urban Farm Fertilizers Texas Tomato Food
- Hand-crafted, high-performance liquid fertilizer for all large vegetables. 4.0-2.9.6.7 NPK.
- Super-concentrated: 256:1. One gallon makes 256 gallons of full-strength nutrient. One tablespoon
- For hand-watering, drip, hose-end, foliar, soil, containers, hydroponics.
In the Urban Farm Fertilizers Texas Tomato Food, you'll find minerals, enzymes, kelp, humic acid, worm castings, mycorrhizal fungi, and more. This plant food is rich in calcium, making it perfect for fighting blossom end rot.
As far as liquid fertilizers go, this is an easy pick for the best fertilizer for tomatoes and other vegetables like eggplant, beans, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. On top of that, it's also rich in phosphorus and potassium.
The Urban Farm Fertilizers Texas Tomato Food currently has a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. The majority of buyers say that it works great and is easy to use.
Neptune's Harvest Tomato & Veg Formula
- Increases Vigor And Volume Of Tomatoes And Vegetables
- Ideal For Vegetables, Trees, Shrubs And Flowers
- Helps Plants Tolerate Drought
The Neptune's Harvest Tomato & Veg Formula increases the volume and vigor of tomatoes and other vegetables. It even works great on flowers, shrubs, trees, and fruit bushes.
This fertilizer is made with humic acid, seaweed, yucca extract, molasses, and fish waste. It ensures that your plants are healthy and produce an abundant harvest.
Besides, it provides vital nutrients for tolerating drought, high temperature, and other environmental conditions. If you're looking for something that increases your garden's resiliency, this plant food is indeed the best fertilizer for tomatoes!
This fertilizer receives a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. One reviewer even said that it boosts flavor and prompts impressive growth.
Sit Back and Let the Best Fertilizer for Tomatoes Work Its Magic
Even if you think you're born with a black thumb, you might just be able to grow some delicious "T" for your BLT sandwiches with the help of the best fertilizer for tomatoes.
All of the fertilizers above offer vital nutrient and will help your garden grow into healthy plants. Plus, these tomato fertilizers are good for the environment and are safe to use around your family and pets!
Remember, just like you and I need to eat, so does your food! And choosing the best fertilizer for tomatoes today is sure to deliver a juicy meal down the road.
How are your tomato plants doing this year?
Let us know in the comment section below!
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