If you apply a balanced compost and plant it in good soil, it may be enough to keep the plants going until the next fertilizer application.Īlternatively, if your soil is not up to scratch, apply the first round of fertilizer a month after planting. This will give the plants a good start without overloading them. To mitigate this risk, add some compost, bone meal, or worm castings mixed with soil to the bottom of the planting hole. Depending on the fertilizer you use, it could also burn the roots if they come into contact. A boost of nutrients at this stage can intensify the symptoms of transplant shock. Transplanted tomatoes need time to adjust to their new homes. This is certainly an option, but it can increase the risk of fertilizer damage (something you definitely don’t want right as the plant is growing). They either mix it with the soil or leave it at the bottom of the planting hole. Some gardeners like to apply the first round of fertilizer while transplanting. Tomatoes only need to be fertilized at two stages of growth – soon after planting and just before fruiting. So what exactly is that what and when? Let’s find out. Only give them what they need, when they need it to keep your plants healthy. Excess fertilizer can burn the roots and lead to many plant problems as a result of a nutirent imbalance. Tomatoes do need fertile soil to produce good fruits, but too much fertilizer is never a good thing. It does not mean ‘heavy’ fertilizer application, but rather than the plant will need more than enriched soil at planting to grow well.Įssentially, any plant that needs to be fertilized more than once during the growing season could be classified as a heavy feeder. The term ‘heavy’ is likely where the confusion lies. This ends up harming the plants more than helping them. However, the heavy feeder label leads some gardeners to apply far too much fertilizer.
Tomatoes inevitably also fall into this category, as you may have heard. Many vegetables and fruits fall into this category. Heavy feeder plants are plants that draw more nutrients from the soil than others and need those extra nutrients in order to thrive. While there is some truth to this, it also leads to a lot of confusion.
Tomatoes are often labeled ‘heavy feeders’. This will take the mystery out of tomato fertilizing and ensure your plants get exactly what they need – not too little, or too much. The most important thing is to understand the basic fertilizing requirements, and to adjust according to your plant’s needs. Each tomato plant will have different requirements depending on your garden conditions. The truth is, there is no real right answer. Fertilizing is a contentious topic, and everyone has their own opinions. If you’re looking to get the most out of your tomato plants, you’ll need to do the same.įinding the answers to the many fertilizer questions you may have is almost impossible. A routine that gives the plants exactly what they need at the right stage of growth. Ask any gardener what their secret to great tomatoes is, and many will say fertilizing.
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