Tomatoes are a delicious and popular fruit (yes, they're technically a fruit!) that are easy to grow in many backyard gardens. However, to get the most out of your tomato plants, you need to provide them with the right nutrients, and that means choosing the best fertilizer.
Not all fertilizers are created equal, and some may not be ideal for the specific needs of tomato plants. In this guide, we'll explore the best fertilizer for tomatoes, taking into account factors like nutrient content, ease of use, and safety for your plants and family.
With the right fertilizer, you can help your tomato plants grow healthy, strong, and delicious. Keep reading to discover the best fertilizer for your tomato plants and get ready for a bountiful harvest.
Our Top Choices
Dr. Earth Home Grown Fertilizer
Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes
Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable Plant Food
Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-6
Neptune’s Harvest | Tomato & Veg Fertilizer 2-4-2
TL;DR
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a balanced source of nutrients for healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Here are six popular fertilizer options for tomatoes:
- Dr. Earth Home Grown Fertilizer: This organic and natural fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
- Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes: These fertilizer spikes are specifically formulated for tomatoes and provide a slow-release source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
- Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable Plant Food: This organic fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
- Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-6: This organic fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
- Neptune’s Harvest | Tomato & Veg Fertilizer 2-4-2: This organic fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
- Miracle-Gro Tomato Plant Food 1.5-0.5-0.5: This fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
Dr. Earth Home Grown Fertilizer
As a gardening enthusiast, I can confidently say that Dr. Earth Homegrown Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer is one of the best fertilizers out there for tomatoes. This organic fertilizer has an advanced probiotic formula that provides nutrients for plants in containers, garden beds, or native soil, making it a versatile and effective option for all kinds of gardening needs.
One of the standout features of this fertilizer is its advanced probiotic formula, which contains seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto and endo mycorrhizae. These help improve the overall health of your plants, resulting in accelerated growth, thicker vines, and many blossoms in large clusters.
Another great thing about Dr. Earth Homegrown Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer is its flexibility. It can be applied dry or used as a tea spray, and it lasts up to 8 weeks. It's made with feed-grade ingredients and enriched with multiminerals, proteins, and other nutrients to improve plant health, so you can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers when used as directed.
At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we use this fertilizer for herbs and general-purpose vegetable fertilizers, as well as on garlic, tomatoes, and flowers. We've found that it helps our plants grow better and produce more vegetables, resulting in a more bountiful harvest.
One thing to note is that this fertilizer is not recommended for indoor tomato plants due to its strong organic smell. However, it's perfect for established tomato plants and general-purpose vegetable fertilizers, making it an ideal choice for any gardener.
In summary, Dr. Earth Homegrown Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer is an excellent organic fertilizer for tomatoes that provides long-lasting and impressive results. Its advanced probiotic formula, feed-grade ingredients, and versatility make it a top pick for gardeners looking to improve the health and yield of their plants.
Jobe’s Tomato Fertilizer Spikes
Jobe's Tomato Fertilizer Spikes are an easy and convenient way to provide continuous nourishment for your tomato plants. The specially formulated, pre-measured spikes deliver fast, easy, and mess-free fertilizer that won't wash away easily as it does with surface-applied fertilizers. At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we use Jobe's fertilizer spikes to fertilize our container-grown tomato plants for up to 8 weeks, providing visible results and increasing flowering and fruit production.
One of the best things about these fertilizer spikes is how easy they are to use. They come in a waterproof, resealable pouch for easy storage, and you simply insert them into the soil around your plants. This makes them an excellent option for beginner gardeners or anyone who wants an effortless way to fertilize their plants.
However, it's worth noting that Jobe's fertilizer spikes may be at a higher price point than other fertilizers. While they provide a convenient and mess-free option for fertilizing, some customers have expressed doubts about their long-lasting effects and higher price.
Overall, Jobe's Tomato Fertilizer Spikes are an excellent option for container gardens, raised beds, or in-ground gardens. They're easy to use, provide continuous nourishment for up to 8 weeks, and don't create wasteful runoff. If you're looking for a hassle-free way to fertilize your tomato plants, give Jobe's fertilizer spikes a try.
Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable Plant Food
For gardeners who want to give their tomato plants the best chance of success, Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable Plant Food is an excellent option. This slow-release organic fertilizer comes in granular form and is easy to apply by tilling the granules into the ground or incorporating them into container soil at planting time. The granules provide the nutrients plants need to start the season and continue to feed for up to 3 months, making them an excellent option for young bedding plants, established vegetables, and container plantings.
One of the standout features of this fertilizer is its easily understood formula for each linear or square foot of garden space, which makes it easy to apply the right amount of fertilizer to your plants. Additionally, it contains beneficial microbes and nutrients throughout the season, which help to ensure that your tomato plants are healthy and productive.
At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we have seen great results when using this product. One of our customers uses it with coco coir in self-watering planters, while another uses it to fill seed starter trays and pots. Customers have praised the value and texture of the coconut coir and the performance of the product when used to fill seed starter trays.
It's worth noting that the granules release nutrients slowly, so they're not as fast-acting as a liquid fertilizer. However, the slow-release formula provides nutrients for up to 3 months after application, making it an excellent option for gardeners who want to ensure that their plants are getting the nutrients they need throughout the growing season.
In summary, Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable Plant Food is a high-quality, slow-release organic fertilizer that provides the nutrients tomato plants need to thrive. Its easily understood formula and suitability for a wide range of plant types make it a smart choice for any gardener looking to improve the health and yield of their plants.
Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-6
Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-6 is a high-quality granular fertilizer that is specifically designed to support ground-planted tomatoes, both heirloom and hybrid, as well as other vegetables. One of its standout features is its exclusive Biotone formula, which supports healthy growth and helps produce plump and abundant tomatoes. Additionally, it contains 8% calcium to protect against blossom end rot and beneficial bacteria microbes to promote soil health.
At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we have used Tomato-Tone with great success on hybrid and beefsteak tomatoes as well as a variety of pepper plants, including jalapeños, habaneros, serranos, and sandia. Our hybrid tomatoes grew well, and the pepper plants took off after applying the fertilizer twice, resulting in a bountiful harvest of habaneros, sandia peppers, and serranos.
It's worth noting that Tomato-Tone has a strong organic smell, which may be off-putting to some gardeners. However, we still recommend this fertilizer for its excellent results and suitability for organic gardening. Customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with gardeners praising its ability to produce tomatoes in less-than-fertile soil.
In summary, Espoma Tomato-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-6 is a top-quality fertilizer that provides essential nutrients to support healthy growth and abundant harvests of tomatoes and other vegetables. Its exclusive Biotone formula, high calcium content, and beneficial bacteria microbes make it an excellent choice for any gardener looking to improve the health and yield of their plants. Despite its strong organic smell, we recommend this fertilizer for its outstanding results and suitability for organic gardening.
Neptune’s Harvest | Tomato & Veg Fertilizer 2-4-2
Neptune's Harvest Tomato & Veg Fertilizer is an organic and natural fertilizer that contains fish meal, molasses, yucca extract, seaweed, and humic acids. This formula is perfect for vegetables, trees, shrubs, and flowers. It increases each plant's tolerance against disease and environmental stresses.
This fertilizer has a low ratio combination suitable for beefsteak tomatoes, which means thicker stalks for bigger or more vibrant tomatoes and wider expanding roots with lush foliage for optimum photosynthesis. Its jug has an indefinite shelf-life, and the fertilizer can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants.
At ColumbiaFlorist, we have used this fertilizer for our veggie greens, tomatoes, and peppers, and it has improved the scent and flavor of our herbs. It has also built up minerals in the soil, leading to lush foliage on all plants. We switched to Neptune's Harvest Rose and Flowering Formula for fruiting plants and found that the chemical buildup in the soil was flushed out. As a result, we had healthy and happy tomatoes and peppers for a few more years.
The only downside to this fertilizer is that it is not recommended for use on young seedlings. However, the organic results of this fertilizer can't be beaten. It is a great value for money for organic gardeners who want to increase the tolerance of their plants to high temperatures and drought. We highly recommend this fertilizer to anyone looking for an organic and natural option to boost the growth and yield of their plants.
Types of Fertilizer for Tomatoes
Fertilizers are essential for providing necessary nutrients to tomato plants, helping them grow healthy and produce high-quality fruit. There are several types of fertilizers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a closer look at granular, liquid, and water-soluble fertilizers for tomatoes.
Granular
Granular fertilizer is a dry, solid fertilizer that is applied to the soil and then watered in. It is a slow-release fertilizer that provides a steady stream of nutrients over a longer period of time. This type of fertilizer is particularly useful for tomatoes because it can provide a consistent source of nutrients throughout the growing season. Some of the most popular granular fertilizers for tomatoes include 5-10-10, 6-12-12, and 8-16-16.
Liquid
Liquid fertilizer is a solution of nutrients that can be applied directly to the soil or the foliage of the tomato plant. This type of fertilizer is easy to use and can provide quick results, making it ideal for gardeners who need to give their plants a quick boost. Liquid fertilizers are also great for tomatoes because they can be easily absorbed by the plant's roots, providing the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow and produce fruit. Some of the most popular liquid fertilizers for tomatoes include fish emulsion, seaweed extract, and compost tea.
Water-Soluble
Water-soluble fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is mixed with water and then applied directly to the soil. This type of fertilizer is great for tomatoes because it provides a quick burst of nutrients that can be absorbed by the plant's roots almost immediately. Water-soluble fertilizers are also easy to use and can be applied precisely, making them ideal for gardeners who want to give their plants a specific amount of nutrients. Some of the most popular water-soluble fertilizers for tomatoes include 20-20-20, 15-30-15, and 10-52-10.
What to Consider When Buying Tomato Fertilizers
Tomatoes are a popular vegetable that can be grown in both home gardens and commercial farm fields. To ensure that your tomato plants grow healthy and produce high-quality fruit, it's important to choose the right fertilizer. Here's a guide of what to consider when buying tomato fertilizers:
Condition of the Soil
Before you choose a fertilizer for your tomato plants, it's important to assess the condition of your soil. If your soil is nutrient-poor or depleted, you may need to choose a fertilizer that provides a higher concentration of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. On the other hand, if your soil is already rich in nutrients, you may need to choose a fertilizer that provides a balanced ratio of nutrients to avoid over-fertilization.
Chemical Fertilizer Content
When choosing a fertilizer for your tomato plants, it's important to consider the chemical fertilizer content. Chemical fertilizers are formulated to provide specific ratios of essential nutrients and can be either organic or inorganic. Some popular chemical fertilizers for tomatoes include 5-10-10, 6-12-12, and 8-16-16. Be sure to choose a fertilizer that provides the right ratio of nutrients for your specific soil type and growing conditions.
Growing Stages of Tomato Plants
The fertilizer you choose for your tomato plants should also be appropriate for the specific growing stage of the plant. For example, young tomato plants need a higher concentration of nitrogen to promote healthy growth, while mature plants need a balanced ratio of nutrients to support fruiting. It's important to choose a fertilizer that is formulated for the specific needs of your tomato plants at each stage of growth.
Organic Options
For those who prefer to use organic fertilizers, there are several options available for tomato plants. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as compost, bone meal, and rock phosphate, and can provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and produce high-quality fruit. Some popular organic fertilizers for tomatoes include fish emulsion, seaweed extract, and compost tea.
Ideal pH for Tomatoes to Grow
Finally, it's important to consider the ideal pH for tomatoes to grow when choosing a fertilizer. Tomatoes grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, you may need to choose a fertilizer that can help adjust the pH to the ideal range for tomato growth.
In conclusion, choosing the right fertilizer for your tomato plants is important for ensuring healthy growth and high-quality fruit production. Be sure to consider the condition of your soil, the chemical fertilizer content, the growing stages of your plants, organic options, and the ideal pH for tomatoes to grow when selecting a fertilizer for your plants.
FAQ
What type of fertilizer is best for tomato plants?
The best type of fertilizer for tomato plants will depend on the specific growing conditions and the stage of growth of the plants. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is generally best for tomato plants.
What is the ideal ratio of nutrients for tomato plants?
The ideal ratio of nutrients for tomato plants is typically a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 fertilizer.
Can I use chemical fertilizers on my tomato plants?
Yes, chemical fertilizers can be used on tomato plants. However, be sure to choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for tomatoes and provides the right ratio of essential nutrients for your specific growing conditions.
Are organic fertilizers better for tomato plants?
Organic fertilizers can be a good choice for tomato plants as they provide essential nutrients and can help improve soil health. However, the best type of fertilizer for your plants will depend on the specific growing conditions and the stage of growth of the plants.
How often should I apply fertilizer to my tomato plants?
The frequency of fertilizer application will depend on the specific fertilizer you choose and the growing conditions of your plants. A slow-release fertilizer may only need to be applied once every 3-4 months, while a liquid fertilizer may need to be applied more frequently. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose.
Can I use the same fertilizer for all stages of tomato plant growth?
No, the fertilizer needs of tomato plants will change as the plants grow and mature. Young plants will need a higher concentration of nitrogen to promote healthy growth, while mature plants will need a balanced ratio of essential nutrients to support fruiting. Be sure to choose a fertilizer that is formulated for the specific needs of your plants at each stage of growth.
How much fertilizer do tomatoes need?
The amount of fertilizer that tomatoes need will depend on the specific fertilizer you choose and the growing conditions of your plants. A general rule of thumb is to apply 1-2 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden space. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose, as over-fertilization can be harmful to your plants.
How do you put fertilizer on tomato plants?
Fertilizer can be applied to tomato plants in several ways, including directly to the soil, to the foliage, or through a drip irrigation system. For best results, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose.
How often do you fertilize tomato plants?
The frequency of fertilizer application will depend on the specific fertilizer you choose and the growing conditions of your plants. A slow-release fertilizer may only need to be applied once every 3-4 months, while a liquid fertilizer may need to be applied more frequently. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose.
How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?
To make tomato plants produce more fruit, it's important to provide them with the right growing conditions, including adequate light, water, and nutrients. You can also prune the plants to encourage branching, which can increase fruit production. Additionally, using a balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can help support healthy growth and fruit production.
What is the best fertilizer for tomato plants?
The best fertilizer for tomato plants will depend on the specific growing conditions and the stage of growth of the plants. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is generally best for tomato plants. Some popular fertilizers for tomatoes include 5-10-10, 6-12-12, and 8-16-16.
When should I fertilize my tomato plants?
The best time to fertilize tomato plants will depend on the specific fertilizer you choose and the growing conditions of your plants. A slow-release fertilizer may only need to be applied once every 3-4 months, while a liquid fertilizer may need to be applied more frequently. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose.
What is a natural fertilizer for tomatoes?
Natural fertilizers for tomatoes are made from natural materials and provide essential nutrients to the plants. Some popular natural fertilizers for tomatoes include compost, bone meal, and rock phosphate. Fish emulsion, seaweed extract, and compost tea are also effective natural fertilizers for tomatoes.
Sources we used in this research: