After growing out doors for about a month most tomato plants will start to need fertilization. How and when the plants are fertilized will make a difference in the production of the plant and its over all health. Tomato plants need a low nitrogen fertilizer that is well balanced with a 1:2:2 ratio and many times organic fertilizers work the best.
Low Nitrogen
Nitrogen is an essential element to the growth of plants. Some plants, such as tomato plants, process it very well and will grow quickly into large, very lush green plants. The problem with that is when tomato plants have an abundance of nitrogen they will put most of their energy into growing the plant and not producing tomatoes.
When looking at fertilizer the first number of the 1:1:1 sequence is the nitrogen. For tomatoes, nitrogen should never out number then next to numbers.
1:2:2 Ratio Fertilizers
N:P:K Nitrogen – Phosphorus – Potassium these are the 3 major groups of elements plants need to grow. The optimal ratio for growing tomatoes is 1 part Nitrogen 2 parts Phosphorus and 2 parts Potassium.
When looking at a bag of fertilizer for tomatoes, the numbers should look like 2:4:4 or 5:10:10. The higher the numbers the stronger the fertilizer is.
Organic Fertilizers for Tomatoes
Tomatoes respond very well to Organic Fertilizers. Organic means it contains no man made chemicals and is made from all natural ingredients. There are a few great organic fertilizers on the market made specifically for tomatoes, but to make your own Blood Meal, Bone Meal and Pot Ash can be mixed to make a very high quality fertilizer. Adding kelp meal seems to help as well.
Application
It is important not to over fertilize. Plants that are over fertilized will often burn and it can be difficult to rehab an over fertilized plant. If using a bagged fertilizer follow the directions on the bag. For organic fertilizers mixed at home, apply liberally at first. Organic fertilizers tend to be fairly low in nutrients compared to chemical based fertilizers. Reapply the organic fertilizers once a month, adjusting the amount based on growth and production.
