Do you love to grow tomatoes in your garden or pots? They can be a beautiful plant and provide you with a tasty treat once they have grown and produced. Still, you have to ensure that they are growing correctly before you can eat the fruit.
Most people find that they need more than sunlight and water, so they look for fertilizer. However, there are many on the market.
We are going to talk about 12 different products today. Then, we can tell you the best fertilizer for tomatoes so that you have all of the information you need.
Tomatoes are an annual plant and are heavy feeders. This means that they need more nutrients than other plants. If you want them to grow throughout the season and produce the best fruit, you are going to need more than what is in the soil.
Fertilizers can be organic or chemical in nature. Either one can give your tomatoes the extra nutrients they need to grow fast and large. However, you may be wondering what the best fertilizer is, as there are many brands and options on the market.
The type of fertilizer you use depends on your soil. All soil has some nutrients in it. Therefore, you may want to have your soil tested to find out what is in it.
Type of Fertilizer You Use depends on your Soil
Sometimes, you can find at-home testing kits that are DIY. You purchase the soil test kit and follow the directions to test the soil around your home or in your garden. Of course, some soil brands include the nutrients and levels on the packaging, as well.
Once you know about your soil’s nutrient content, you can determine which fertilizer is best. If the soil is high in nitrogen or properly balanced, you need a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. Consider using a 5-10-5 ratio or a 5-10-10 mixed fertilizer in this case.
The three numbers on the bag of fertilizer are called the NPK numbers and stand for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Therefore, if you’re using the 5-10-5 ratio, it has double the phosphorus as it does potassium and nitrogen.
Soil that lacks in nitrogen requires a more balanced fertilizer with ratios of 10-10-10 or 8-8-8.
If it is impossible to have a soil test completed, it might be best to assume you have balanced soil. Then, you should use the fertilizer with a higher phosphorus level.
The Best Fertilizers For Growing Tomatoes
We understand how challenging it is to go through 12 different products and read everything. Therefore, we have included this helpful table to help you see what is available and what you might want to know more about.
The Miracle-Gro brand is one of the most popular on the market because it works. You can find the water-soluble tomato fertilizer in a 1.5- or 3-pound bag. It is designed to feed your tomato plants instantly to help you grow bigger and better vegetables.
You should use the product every one to two weeks. Though it says it is tomato food, it can also be used on other vegetables within the garden. Therefore, you don’t have to buy multiple fertilizers.
This product features NPK levels of 18-18-21. Therefore, it has the same amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus and works well for balanced or nitrogen-rich soil.
When you use it as directed, it is not going to burn the plants. While it says to use it with the Miracle-Gro garden feeder, you can use a regular watering can. Of course, this means that you must mix the fertilizer with water and apply it that way.
It might be an extra step, but it is well worth it when you have beautiful, large tomatoes ready to pick. Just make sure that you follow the directions for mixing the food and water.
2. Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer
Some people find that they want organic fertilizer. If that is the case, the Jobe’s brand might be right for you. The 9026 fertilizer comes in a 1.5-, 4, and 6-pound bag. It is resealable, so you don’t have to worry about the product losing its potency with time.
Jobe’s brand features many fertilizers for flowers and plants. Therefore, make sure that you choose the one labeled for vegetables and tomatoes.
This fertilizer is granular, so it can be spread around the roots of the tomato plants. Plus, it is fast-acting and can lead to a more abundant harvest.
It is certified organic. This means that it doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals. Also, it is OMRI listed by the USDA for use in organic gardening practices.
You’re going to find that it contains the JobeBiozome. This is a proprietary microorganism that is very aggressive. It’s going to break down unwanted material to give you quicker results.
Plus, it comes in a 2-5-3 ratio, which means that it has less nitrogen than potassium with higher levels of phosphorus. It might work better for soil that is nitrogen-rich.
3. Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes
If you’re looking for a similar Jobe formula that is easier to use, the fertilizer spikes are ideal. Just remember that this product is not certified organic. Still, the spikes contain the right amounts of fertilizer to nourish the tomato roots.
They are time-released, so they work as needed to give your plant the nutrients it needs. You don’t have to worry about messiness, runoff, and other issues. Plus, the plants get a continuous supply of the nutrients where the roots are growing.
Each spike feeds the plant for eight weeks. You may need to use more than one spike per plant. This depends on a variety of factors, which are explained on the container.
The analysis of this fertilizer is 6-18-6. Therefore, it contains the same amount of potassium and nitrogen with more phosphorus. This makes it ideal for soil that is rich in nitrogen.
To use them, you need to push the spike an inch below soil levels, one on each side of the plant. Make sure they are about eight inches away from the stem.
4. Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food
Another Miracle-Gro product made the list. This continuous release food contains normal nutrients, as well as calcium. It’s designed specifically for vegetables and fruits, making it perfect for tomato plants.
The micronutrients in it can help your plant grow stronger and bear more fruit than plants without fertilizer. There are natural ingredients in the product to help feed the microbes in the soil, too.
One application of the product can feed your plants for up to three months. Plus, you don’t have to mix it in water and can just shake out the fertilizer directly onto the plants.
Calcium isn’t often included in plant food, but it can be beneficial. It helps the cell walls get stronger, so the fruits and vegetables last longer and have better quality. Plus, it can prevent disease and illness in your edible crops.
This product is ideal for use in the ground and containers. Therefore, you aren’t limited if you’ve got tomatoes growing in pots or out in the garden. Plus, it comes in a 1- and 4.5-pound resealable container.
5. Schultz All Purpose Plant Food Plus
Those who want an all-purpose plant food are going to like the one from Shultz. You can use it on any outdoor and indoor plants, including tomatoes. This product is guaranteed to start working immediately and encourages new growth.
Whenever you water your plants, just add seven drops of this fertilizer to a quart of water and mix it up well. It features a 10-15-10 formula, so it contains more phosphorus and a little less nitrogen. This is ideal for nitrogen-rich soils.
Though it is liquid plant food, it is quite easy to measure. It comes with its own dropper system. All you have to do is count out seven drops.
You get eight ounces of liquid, which can make many quarts of fertilized water. One of the best things about this product is that it is going to last a very long time. Therefore, it is quite cost-effective, and it works.
Another good thing about this product is that it feeds just like nature. It delivers the nutrients straight to the roots whenever you water.
6. Fox Farm FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer
If you want a beautiful garden with large vegetables and fruits, then the Grow Big Fertilizer from Fox Farm is ideal. It’s concentrated, which means it has to be mixed with water, but it is well worth the extra step.
Grow Big features essential micronutrients, Norwegian kelp, and earthworm castings. It’s a special brew that’s designed to help with plant structure and size. Therefore, you get bigger fruits, buds, flowers, and vegetables.
It features a 6-4-4 ratio, so it has more nitrogen than phosphorus. This makes it most suitable for soil with a low amount of nitrogen. However, it can be used in almost any soil and is going to help improve the plants.
When working with new plantings, it’s best to let them settle in first. Then, you can use the product. Make sure to use two teaspoons in every gallon of water.
You should use the fertilizer every other watering. It comes in a pint-size container. Therefore, it can make a lot of plant food and should last you a while, depending on how many tomato plants you have.
7. Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
Another organic fertilizer comes from Dr. Earth. It allows you to have bigger, tastier, and more nutritious vegetables. Plus, it ensures that you have the right amounts of primary nutrients for your plants.
Because it is organic, it doesn’t contain chicken manure, sewage sludge, or GMOs. All of the ingredients are natural and organic.
Of course, it contains a probiotic, so it gives the plants more of what they need. You also get seven strains of beneficial microbes for the soil. That leads to more abundant crops that are bigger and better in every way.
This product is a 4-6-3 ratio, so it contains more phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium. Therefore, it may work best in soil that is nitrogen-rich. Even if yours has enough nitrogen, it is still suitable and can help your plants.
You can find a variety of sizes, including 1-, 4-, 12-, 24-, and 25-pound bags. The bags are resealable, so you don’t have to worry about the fertilizer going bad as long as you keep it in a cool, dry place.
8. Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer
Tomato-tone fertilizer is an excellent product because it is organic. All of the ingredients are natural. Plus, the plant food is enhanced with thousands of live microbes.
This means that the soil is going to benefit because the microbes can remove unwanted plant waste. If you want an organic garden, this product has been approved for that.
Plus, the formula is ideal for all types of tomatoes. It can also help to prevent end rot on the blossoms. Your tomatoes have a safe, completely balanced, and continuous feeding.
With the formulation, you are going to get consistency. The tomatoes in your garden are going to be juicier and plumper than ever before.
You get a complete fertilizer with 15 essential nutrients. Plus, the formula is university-tested so that it is going to produce the desired results each time you use it.
Of course, it features a complex blend of various nutrients to give your tomatoes a balanced and complete feeding. It’s also safe to use around pets, children, and other plants.
9. Plant Magic Plant Food Organic Fertilizer
Those who love magic might want to try the Plant Magic brand, as it has an organic fertilizer that can work wonders in your garden. All you have to do is mix the plant food with water. It is designed to dissolve instantly and can be used immediately upon mixing.
The type of soil you have (clay, loam, or sand) doesn’t matter. You are still going to have plants that are healthy and beautiful. Plus, they are going to produce more flavorful and larger tomatoes.
This product contains beneficial microorganisms. They are designed to work immediately to help feed the plant and condition the soil.
Since it is organic, you do not have to worry about it being around your pets or children. Plus, it is good for the environment and all plants. In fact, you can use it on flowers, shrubs, trees, herbs, and lawns.
If that weren’t enough, it can be used from a seedling right through to harvest time. It won’t break down the salts in the soil like chemicals do. Also, it’s not going to burn the plants, and the manufacturer guarantees this.
10. MASTERBLEND Complete Combo Kit Fertilizer
When it comes to keeping your plants healthy and abundant, you can go wrong with the combo kit from MASTERBLEND. As the name suggests, it has a variety of products to meet your plant’s every need.
First, there is the 4-18-38 blend for tomatoes and vegetables. While this isn’t a lot of nitrogen, you also get calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0), which makes up for it. There is also some Epsom salt included to put back the sodium that the soil has removed.
This product combination is used by professionals everywhere to help with optimum plant growth. Plus, the products in the kit are fully water-soluble. That means the plant can easily absorb the nutrients.
You can find a variety of sizes for this product. There is the 2.5-, 5-, 12.5-, 25-, and 62.5-pound kit.
Be aware that the bags aren’t resealable. You are going to have to put them in airtight containers once they are opened. While that can be a bit of a nuisance, you are going to be impressed with what the products can do for your tomatoes.
11. Greenway Biotech Water Soluble Tomato Fertilizer
The Greenway brand has everything you need to grow beautiful tomatoes that taste great and look bigger. It comes in a five-pound bag, which is resealable. Plus, it is fully water-soluble, so it mixes easily.
This product comes in a 4-18-38 blend, so it doesn’t contain a lot of nitrogen. Therefore, it is best to use it in nitrogen-rich soil. It also comes with trace minerals.
These include manganese, iron, copper, boron, molybdenum, and zinc. It’s ideal for use in soil and hydroponics. You can easily read the instructions on the back on how to mix it and how much to use.
Of course, it doesn’t contain any harmful materials or heavy metals. However, it is not certified organic. That might not be a deal-breaker for you, but it is worth mentioning.
You should also be aware that it comes in a 5-pound bag. This can make 1,000 gallons of fertilizer. Depending on the size of your garden, this might be enough for one season of growth.
12. Neptune’s Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer
Neptune’s Harvest is a liquid fertilizer made from seaweed and hydrolyzed fish. You get the best of both worlds here. This means that the fertilization program is complete.
It comes in a 2-3-1 ratio, so it does contain more phosphorus than nitrogen. Still, it works well for many soil types. Of course, you may need to fertilize more often because of the lower levels of NPK.
Your foliage and flowers are going to be more colorful and much stronger. It doesn’t say it is designed specifically for tomatoes. However, you can use it on any vegetables in your garden or a pot.
This product is certified organic. Therefore, it doesn’t contain any chemicals, chicken manure, and other harmful substances. You can feel confident using it around pets and children, making it ideal for indoor plants, too.
Of course, you can find a variety of sizes. It comes in 18 and 36 ounces, as well as one quart, one gallon, and five gallons. Often, it is best to buy in bulk.
When to Fertilize Tomato Plants?
You should first fertilize your tomato plants when they are added to the garden. Then, you should wait to feed again until they have set fruit. Once the tomato plant starts producing fruit, it is best to give them more plant food every one to two weeks until the first frost arrives.
However, it should be noted that some fertilizers listed here had specific instructions. Some of them recommend that you wait to fertilize until the plant has been in the ground for a few days. Always follow the directions on the plant food packaging.
How Often to Fertilize Tomato Plants?
Generally, you should fertilize the soil before the tomato plants are added. This ensures that the soil is prepared and has enough nutrients to start growing the tomatoes.
Once fruit appears, you should fertilize your plants once a week or once every two weeks. Do this for as long as the plant is growing and producing fruit.
However, some fertilizers are designed to be used once every three months. It is best to read the label on the plant food.
How to Fertilize Tomatoes?
It is often best to fertilize tomatoes while you are planting them. To do this, mix the fertilizer with the soil at the bottom of the hole. Then, add unfertilized soil on top.
Next, put your plant in the hole. It is not recommended to let raw fertilizer come into contact with the plant roots. This can cause burning.
If you have waited and the first fruit is set, water the plant well and add fertilizer. Some plant foods are designed to be mixed with water, which can take out a step in the process.
Those who use shake-and-dispense fertilizers should water first and then spread it evenly on the ground. Start about six inches from the plant’s base and go outward.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good fertilizer for tomatoes, you have probably tried growing them before. It is important to choose the right plant food so that the tomatoes grow big, taste great, and look their best.
We have thoroughly reviewed these 12 products and believe the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food is ideal. It has high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, so it works in many soil conditions. Plus, it is water-soluble, cutting out that step of watering first.
There’re some different reasons for this common problem but the most important is this: Not pollinated and if you have a big farm, it’s better to consider some bees around of your farm and use of pure honey as well.If you grow in containers, try to shake plants gently when they set in flowers or use a very soft brushes from male to female .I have this experience many years ago when I used the seeds of tomatoes I bought from supermarket cause they were not good for planting . wish you green days and so sorry for my poor english
Honey bees do not pollinate tomatoes. They need Buzz pollination, which honey bees can not do. Bumblebees and Carpenter bees are two types of “Buzz pollinators.”
Tomato flowers contain both the male and female parts to pollinate. When the flowers are open just flick the stem with flowers on it to get things going. you will get many more tomatoes.
Epson salts to replace the sodium that has been removed from the soil? Contrary to the name, epson salt is not salt or sodium but is magnesium. Just clarifying so people know. Its wonderful for pepper plants, which btw should not be fertilized. I dont know why the miracle gro box suggests using as such.
why are my tomatoes always green on the inside, nice an red on the outside, also why are the skins tuff.
I read they ripen from the inside first thank you.
THANK YOU HELPING
My tomatoes plant blooms but does not fruit, suggestions I???
There’re some different reasons for this common problem but the most important is this: Not pollinated and if you have a big farm, it’s better to consider some bees around of your farm and use of pure honey as well.If you grow in containers, try to shake plants gently when they set in flowers or use a very soft brushes from male to female .I have this experience many years ago when I used the seeds of tomatoes I bought from supermarket cause they were not good for planting . wish you green days and so sorry for my poor english
Imi, that was such a nice and helpful reply! I am glad that I found your advice!
Honey bees do not pollinate tomatoes. They need Buzz pollination, which honey bees can not do. Bumblebees and Carpenter bees are two types of “Buzz pollinators.”
I want to grow tomatoes in the winter.
Is that possible?
Tomato flowers contain both the male and female parts to pollinate. When the flowers are open just flick the stem with flowers on it to get things going. you will get many more tomatoes.
Epson salts to replace the sodium that has been removed from the soil? Contrary to the name, epson salt is not salt or sodium but is magnesium. Just clarifying so people know. Its wonderful for pepper plants, which btw should not be fertilized. I dont know why the miracle gro box suggests using as such.
why are my tomatoes always green on the inside, nice an red on the outside, also why are the skins tuff.
I read they ripen from the inside first thank you.
“There is also some Epsom salt included to put back the sodium that the soil has removed.”
How can Epsom salt put back sodium into the soil? The chemical formula of Epsom salt does not contain sodium.