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.
Settle young plants first - then fertilize
While young tomatoes are growing in the sheltered atmosphere of the greenhouse or windowsill, they are not yet given any fertilizer. In this phase they should develop a root system independently without being served nutrients 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 nutrient supply starts.
The best fertilizer at the right time
Natural fertilizer is the only option for growing healthy tomatoes in private kitchen gardens. The following overview presents the best nutrient suppliers, when they are administered and in what amounts:
- Compost: work 3-5 liters per square meter into the soil every 14 days
- Horn shavings: (32.93€) 100 grams per square meter of bedding soil or 100 liters of bucket substrate mix in every 2 weeks
- Nettle manure: diluted in a ratio of 1:10, apply directly to the tomato roots every 2 weeks
- Guano: (121.99€) apply once or twice a month in the form of sticks, as a fertilizer cone or liquid according to the manufacturer's instructions
Since organic fertilizer is difficult to apply to tomatoes in pots, specialist retailers offer liquid fertilizer made from natural ingredients. The preparations are also added from the second week after planting out. The two-week administration is sufficient until fruit set. It is then advisable to increase the dosage to a weekly rhythm, given the limited amount of substrate in the bucket.
tips and tricks
The nutrient supply only begins in the second week after planting out. Of course, it is an advantage to shower the potting soil repeatedly with horsetail broth. This measure strengthens the young tomatoes early on against an imminent infestation with brown rot.