A fertilizer nitrogen level that's too high can have negative effects on tomato growth.
Fertilizer acts as a type of food for growing plants. Soil composition influences gardeners' decisions on the type of fertilizer to use and how often to apply it. Another consideration is the nutrient requirements of specific plants, like tomatoes.
Purpose and Composition of Fertilizer
The reason gardeners use fertilizer is to ensure that plants receive the nutrients required for healthy growth and fruit production. Three nutrients in particular are considered essential fertilizer components: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The proportion of each element is listed on commercial fertilizer products; for example, 10-20-10 (N-P-K). When purchasing fertilizer for tomatoes, look for ratios of 5-10-10, 5-20-20 or 8-16-16.
Nitrogen and Tomatoes
Tomatoes typically need higher levels of phosphorus and potassium in their fertilizer than nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can lead to little fruit production despite vigorous vine growth, poor color in ripe tomatoes, oddities in color change during ripening, and poor taste and texture of mature fruit.
Apply
Fertilizer for tomatoes should be worked into the soil approximately two weeks before planting. Once tomatoes have been set in the ground, a side dressing can be worked into the soil around plants. Common tomato side dressings include a nitrogen fertilizer added just after the first fruit appears, and gypsum, which provides needed calcium to prevent blossom-end rot.
Related posts
Soil conditioners can help prevent clay from cracking.Fertilizers and soil conditioners are called soil amendments because they change the structure of the soil. Fertilizer adds nutrients to the s...
Vine-ripe tomatoes are a major incentive for gardening.The promise of flavorful vine-ripe freshly picked tomatoes is one of the main reasons people want to have a home garden. Imagine the disappoi...
Fertilizers are additives that provide essential nutrients to plants not supplied by the soil. Such additives improve qualities such as density, hardiness, disease resistance and color. Although d...
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is essential to organic gardening.Soil nutrients essential for sustainable plant growth include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manga...
Balanced soils lead to fruitful harvests.Healthy levels of potassium in the soil has many benefits, including aiding protein synthesis, stimulating root growth and neutralizing acids. A bit too mu...
