When to Feed Tomato Plants in the UK

Tomatoes are one of the most popular crops to grow in the UK due to their versatility in cooking and rich flavour when grown fresh. However, to produce a healthy crop of tomatoes, it is important to ensure that the plants receive adequate nutrition. In this article, we will explore when to feed tomato plants in the UK.

Before Planting

Before planting your tomato plants, it is important to prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. These organic fertilisers help to improve the soil structure and provide a good source of nutrients for the plants to grow. Alternatively, you can use a commercial vegetable fertiliser that contains a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for healthy plant growth.

Feeding Frequency

Tomato plants require regular feeding throughout the growing season to maintain healthy growth and produce a good crop. As a general rule, it is recommended to feed tomato plants every two weeks during the growing season, which typically runs from late May to early October in the UK. However, the frequency of feeding may vary depending on the type of fertiliser used and the soil conditions.

Types of Fertilisers

There are several different types of fertilisers that can be used to feed tomato plants in the UK. These include:

Compost: This is a natural fertiliser that is made from organic matter, such as vegetable and garden waste. It provides a slow-release source of nutrients to the plants and helps to improve the soil structure.

Manure: This is another natural fertiliser that is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, it can be quite strong and should be well-rotted before use to avoid burning the plant roots.

Commercial fertilisers: These are synthetic fertilisers that are formulated specifically for growing vegetables, such as tomatoes. They are easy to use and provide a quick boost of nutrients to the plants, but can be expensive.

Application Methods

There are several different methods that can be used to apply fertilisers to tomato plants in the UK. These include:

Top dressing: This involves sprinkling the fertiliser on top of the soil around the base of the plants and then lightly scratching it into the surface of the soil.

Foliar feeding: This involves applying a liquid fertiliser directly to the leaves of the plants. This method is useful for providing a quick boost of nutrients to the plants, but should not be used exclusively as it can lead to leaf burn if not done correctly.

Watering: This involves adding the fertiliser to the watering can and watering the plants as usual. This method is useful for providing a slow-release source of nutrients to the plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeding tomato plants in the UK is an important part of maintaining healthy growth and a good crop. It is recommended to use a balanced fertiliser and to feed the plants every two weeks during the growing season. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fertilisers and to avoid overfeeding the plants, as this can lead to nitrogen burn and poor plant growth. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes from your own garden.