Fertilizers for Bearing Tomatoes

Types

• Tomatoes are not too picky about the type of fertilizer they receive. A general garden vegetable fertilizer will work well. Fertilizers that contain a fairly low amount of nitrogen are ideal, however, such as an 8-32-16 fertilizer. Other suitable fertilizers include 6-24-24, 5-10-5, and 5-10-10. The 5-10-5 and 5-10-10 fertilizers should be applied at twice the rate of the other fertilizers.

Planting

• The first application of fertilizer should take place before the tomatoes are planted. Work one pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet into the top six inches of the soil where the tomatoes will be located, unless using a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer, in which case two pounds per 100 square feet should be applied. Water the soil before planting to help disperse the fertilizer.

First Fruit

• Tomatoes should receive a second application of fertilizer when they first begin to set fruit. When the small green tomatoes begin to appear, apply fertilizer by sprinkling two tablespoons of a general fertilizer around the plant. Use a small hand cultivator to work the fertilizer into the soil, taking care not to disturb the roots of the tomato plant. Water the plant so that the fertilizer disperses into the soil.

Growing Period

• While the tomato plant is growing and producing fruit, it should be fertilized every seven to 10 days. Sprinkle one tablespoon of fertilizer, or two tablespoons of 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer, around the base of the tomato plant. Use a hand cultivator to work the fertilizer pellets into the soil, always being careful not to disturb the tomato plant's roots. Water the plant after application so that the fertilizer will begin to absorb into the soil.