Fertilizer plays a central role in the natural cycle of vital tomato plants. Not only the quality is important, but also the right time. We explain when to fertilize tomatoes.
When should you fertilize tomatoes?
Tomatoes should be fertilized regularly from the second week after planting. Suitable natural fertilizers are compost, horn shavings, nettle manure or guano, which can be applied in the recommended amounts every 14 days. Liquid fertilizer is recommended for potted tomatoes.
First acclimatize young plants - then fertilize
While young tomatoes are growing in the protected environment of the greenhouse or windowsill, they do not yet receive any fertilizer. In this phase, they should develop a root system independently without nutrients being handed to them on a silver platter. After the young plants have been planted outdoors or on the balcony in mid-May, there is a week of acclimatization. Then the supply of nutrients begins by fertilizing the tomato plants.
The best fertilizer at the right time
The only option for growing he althy tomatoes in private gardens is natural fertilizer. The following overview presents the best nutrient suppliers, when they are administered and in what quantities:
- Compost: work 3-5 liters per square meter into the soil every 14 days
- Horn shavings: Mix in 100 grams per square meter of bed soil or 100 liters of pot substrate every 2 weeks
- Nettle manure: diluted in a ratio of 1:10, add directly to the tomato roots every 2 weeks
- Guano: apply once or twice a month in stick form, as a fertilizer cone or liquid according to the manufacturer's instructions
Since organic fertilizer is difficult to administer to tomatoes in pots, specialist retailers offer liquid fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) made from natural ingredients. The preparations are also administered from the second week after planting. Two weeks of administration is sufficient until fruit sets. It is then recommended to increase the dosage to a weekly rhythm, given the limited amount of substrate in the bucket.
Tips & Tricks
The nutrient supply only begins in the second week after planting out. It is, of course, an advantage to repeatedly shower the potting soil with horsetail broth. This measure strengthens the young tomatoes early on against the threat of brown rot.
