What to Feed Tomato Plants When Fruiting

Tomato plants are a staple in many home gardens. They are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest throughout the summer months. However, to ensure that your tomato plants produce the best quality fruit, it's important to feed them the right nutrients. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to feed tomato plants when fruiting.

1. Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and tomato plants require a steady supply of it throughout their life cycle. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which is crucial in the early stages of the plant's life as it prepares to produce fruit. When the plant starts to fruit, it's important to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive growth and fewer fruits.

One effective nitrogen-rich fertilizer for tomato plants is fish emulsion. This organic fertilizer is made from fish waste and contains a high level of nitrogen. It's easy to apply and can be used throughout the plant's life cycle, including when it's fruiting.

2. Phosphorus-Rich Fertilizers

Once the tomato plant starts to flower and produce fruit, it's essential to provide it with enough phosphorus. Phosphorous is a mineral that plants use to develop healthy root systems, produce flowers, and ripen fruits. It's particularly important during the fruiting stage, as it ensures that the tomatoes develop a sweet taste and vibrant color.

Bone meal is an excellent source of phosphorus for tomato plants. It's an organic fertilizer made from finely ground animal bones and is readily available at garden centers. Simply sprinkle it around the base of the plant and work it into the soil.

3. Calcium-Rich Fertilizers

Calcium is another essential nutrient for tomato plants when fruiting. It helps to prevent blossom-end rot, a common problem in tomato plants that causes the fruit to develop a dark, sunken spot on the bottom.

One of the best calcium-rich fertilizers for tomato plants is crushed eggshells. The shells are rich in calcium carbonate, which is easily absorbed by the plant. Simply crush the eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of the plant. Alternatively, you can add them to the compost pile and use the resulting compost to fertilize your tomato plants.

4. Organic Compost

Organic compost is an excellent fertilizer for tomato plants at any stage of their growth. It contains a combination of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as beneficial microorganisms that promote healthy plant growth. It also improves soil structure and helps to retain moisture, which is particularly beneficial for tomato plants.

Make your own organic compost by using kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made compost from your local garden center or online retailer.

5. Watering

Finally, it's essential to ensure that your tomato plants receive adequate water throughout their life cycle, particularly when they're fruiting. Water helps to transport nutrients to the roots and leaves of the plant, where they're needed for healthy growth and fruit development.

Water your tomato plants regularly, particularly during hot, dry weather. A good watering schedule is to water deeply once or twice a week, rather than giving the plant a light watering every day. This ensures that the roots receive enough water and encourages the plant to develop a deep root system.

Conclusion

Feeding your tomato plants the right nutrients when they're fruiting is essential to ensure a bountiful harvest of healthy, flavorful tomatoes. By providing them with nitrogen-rich fertilizers in the early stages of growth, phosphorus-rich fertilizers during the fruiting stage, calcium-rich fertilizers to prevent blossom-end rot, organic compost for overall plant health, and adequate water, you can enjoy a successful tomato harvest year after year.