If you have tasted a farm to table food with tomatoes, you will know the difference between farm-fresh vegetables over supermarket ones.
In addition to that, having a green thumb is not enough for growing nice quality tomatoes. You have to feed the plants fertilizers that will make your tomatoes more vibrant and tasty when harvested. Fertilizers give essential nutrients for your tomato plant if they lack any of the nutrients they need.
Having fresh tomatoes readily available in your garden offers satisfaction to yourself. Not buying genetically modified tomatoes offers a different flavor and health benefits for your family. It also offers high-quality food on your table. Here is a list of the best fertilizers for tomatoes for the year 2020:
Top 8 Best Fertilizers for Tomatoes Reviewed
- Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth– Best Overall
- Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma – Best Value
- Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers – Editor’s Choice
- Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro
- TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies
- Organics 9026 Fertilizer by Jobe's
- Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune
- FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer by Fox Farm
Contents
- 1 #1. Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth– Best Overall
- 2 #2. Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma – Best Value
- 3 #3. Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers – Editor’s Choice
- 4 #4. Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro
- 5 #5. TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies
- 6 #6. Organics 9026 Fertilizer by Jobe's
- 7 #7. Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune
- 8 #8. FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer by Fox Farm
- 9 Can your tomatoes grow in shady sites?
- 10 How do you fertilize tomatoes?
- 11 How often do you fertilize tomato plants?
- 12 When do you know it is time to fertilize your tomato plants?
- 13 Will your tomatoes grow better in pots or the ground?
- 14 Related posts:
#1. Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth– Best Overall
Product Specifications:
- No GMOs, chicken droppings, or sewage mud
- 100% organic and natural ingredients
- Weight: 4 pounds
Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth is a premium vegetable and herb fertilizer that produces amazing results for your tomatoes. It carries pure organic ingredients, making it less harmful and toxic for the soil.
The natural recipe contains 5-7-3 NPK macro-nutrient mix plus a rich mix of Alaskan fishbone and meal, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, and soft rock phosphate. Additional nutrients like humic acid, seaweed extract, potassium sulfate are also included. It is safe to utilize around children and pets since it is natural and organic.
This fertilizer features highly dry-resistant and enhanced tomato-growing performance. Thanks to its advanced probiotic, containing helpful soil microbes plus Ecto and Endo Mycorrhizae. Your tomatoes could be saved during the winter season if you left them for a day or two without water.
Impressive results will show. Especially with cherry tomatoes, for it keeps feeding your tomatoes for up to two months of use. One bag of Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth can feed 60 square feet or 16 five-gallon plants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It can be sprinkled on plants and used as a compost tea spray. | Smelly from the start. Especially when mixed with water |
| Improves plant condition and offers drought resistance | Does not work well for indoor plant tomatoes |
| Gives faster growth for cherry tomatoes | May invite animals to dig the soil. |
| 100% natural and organic | Can provide low Humic acid |
| Non-GMO fertilizer | A bit pricey |
#2. Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma – Best Value
Product Specifications:
- 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Environment safe
- NPK ratio: 3-4-6
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Product size: 12 x 5 x 3.25 inches
Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma uses no residue or any hazardous toxic ingredients. This organic fertilizer is backed by USDA and is university tested for organic gardening. This fertilizer will feel right at home with your garden soil.
Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma offers a well-balanced NPK macronutrient ratio of 3-4-6. It also gives a blend of 15 important nutrients. This fertilizer is suited for the best growth of your tomatoes. The difference of this fertilizer is the Bio tone technology, a proprietary blend of microbes and calcium. Its advanced technology protects your tomatoes against blossom end rot. It will have your plants grow healthy and strong, producing a better quality of tomatoes.
Tomato-tone Organic Fertilizer by Espoma offers normal rapid growth for your tomatoes. It is an organic fertilizer that will make your tomatoes bloom and produce a better number of products. You may also use this fertilizer for growing other vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, or squash.
Applying this fertilizer must be every 10 to 14 days and then twice a month from May through August to generate the best results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specifically formulated for plump, juicy tomatoes. | Can burn other types of leafy vegetables if not properly used |
| Well-balanced NPK macronutrient ratio | The short shelf life of active microbes ( two years only) |
| University tested solution | Animals love to chew them. |
| Affordable, value for money | Strong, funny smell |
| Approved by USDA for organic gardening | Pellet-type dissolves quickly in soil. |
#3. Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers – Editor’s Choice
Product Specifications:
- Made from natural and organic ingredients
- Calcium-rich fertilizer
- NPK ratio: 4-2.9-6.7
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Product size: 5 x 3 x 7 inches
If you want an organic fertilizer that will yield many blossom, fruits, and vegetables, Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers is your best pick. This exceptional fertilizer contains a liquid gold formula that produces many harvests for big and sweet red tomatoes. When you say a lot, it is a lot according to satisfied consumers.
By Urban Farm Fertilizers, Texas Tomato Food is a blend of rich macro and micronutrients tested and proven by the FDA, producing big and tasty tomatoes.
Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers contains a 4.0-2.9-6.7 NPK ratio of calcium and potassium. Additional nutrients like worm casts, humic acid, minerals, kelp enzymes, and mycorrhizae make the plants strong. These nutrients prevent the plant from blossom-end rot and other diseases.
Texas Tomato Food by Urban Farm Fertilizers is a highly concentrated liquid fertilizer. It can cover 256 gallons of plants. This fertilizer is costly upfront but will give you the best value for money in the long run.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for hand or hose watering, drip irrigation, or direct soil application | There is nothing wrong you can find |
| The highest yield of fertilizer use | No organic certification |
| High-quality fertilizer | On the pricey side |
| Made in the USA | |
| Hand-crafted |
#4. Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro
Product Specifications:
- Tomato fertilizer can break down in the water.
- Used for tomatoes and all vegetables
- NPK ratio: 3-4-6
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- NPK ratio: 18-18-21
- Size of Product: 3.75 x 3.75 x 5.75 inches
Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro has a balanced blend of 18-18-21 macro and micronutrients. Copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and manganese are part of the fertilizer’s solution, providing the right amount of nourishment for your tomato plant.
Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro is safe not to burn your plants when used as instructed. You may add the fertilizer to the water to save time and effort in gardening.
Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro simply works. Many consumers are very satisfied with it. Miracle-Gro will put a miracle on your tomatoes, producing a better quality for your plants. It may even save your dying plants. You have to follow the steps for it to be effective for your plants.
Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food by Miracle-Gro can cover about 600 square feet of plants. The application of this fertilizer every 7 to 14 days yields the best results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A balanced mix of macro and micronutrients | Lesser micronutrients compared to other fertilizer |
| You can buy in small or large portions. | Not suitable for plants with calcium deficiencies |
| Affordable, nice quality fertilizer | Prone to the burning of acidic plants |
| All around vegetable fertilizer | Inorganic fertilizer |
| Best use for tomatoes | Stocks are sold out fast |
#5. TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies
Specifications:
- 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Non-GMO, decompostable
- Low 2 NPK ratio
- Weight: 2.25 ounces
- Made in the USA
- Product size: 3 x 3 x 4 inches
TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies is a subtle fertilizer. Being an organic fertilizer makes it a subtle one. Nature takes time to heal and grow. This fertilizer will make your tomato plants flourish and maximize its flower production.
TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies is so easy to use. You do not have to get your hands dirty to it. Just add one to two gallons of water to a packet. Immerse for a few hours and water your plants. These tea packets can be used for any season.
TeaDrops Premium Tomato and Pepper Formula by Earthworm Technologies is an innovative fertilizer product. It is like giving your plants tea in the afternoon. You may find it amusing to give your plans for the tea they deserve! You may also feed this fertilizer to other vegetable or fruit-bearing plants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The natural and well-balanced formula | Does not work well for plants who need higher macronutrients |
| Great for indoor and outdoor plants | Cannot find any more faults |
| Odorless, pet-friendly fertilizer | On the pricey side |
| Super earth-friendly fertilizer | |
| Nice quality |
#6. Organics 9026 Fertilizer by Jobe's
Specifications:
- Earth-friendly granular fertilizer
- Fertilizer spikes are also available.
- NPK ratio: 2-5-3
- Weight: 4 pounds
- USDA certified, OMRI listed for organic gardening
- Product size: 6 x 2 x 9 inches
You might find Organics 9026 Fertilizer by Jobe’s as a good alternative for other organic fertilizers in the market. It is easy to pour, resealable bag for hassle-free repacking. You may also purchase fertilizer spikes on the same brand if you plant your tomatoes indoors.
Organics 9026 Fertilizer by Jobe’s offers an exclusive Biozome technology. It offers a unique blend of healthy, beneficial bacteria like archaea and fungi. This fertilizer will make your tomato plants happy and healthy in the long run.
Organics 9026 Fertilizerby Jobe’s is a fast-acting fertilizer best for improving the soil environment of your plants. This fertilizer reduces the risk of diseases, drought, and even insects. Therefore, it will have your plants free from pests and will yield more fruit.
You may also use this fertilizer on a wide range of vegetables like onions, potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, etc. It is certified by USDA and is OMRI listed. No harmful synthetic chemicals included making it safe to use for outdoor and indoor plants.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Environment-friendly fertilizer | Possibility of having fewer results for potted tomato plants |
| Safe around pets and children | Not clear instructions for using it |
| Value for money; nice quality | On the pricey sized |
| Fast-acting organic fertilizer | |
| Produces greater harvest |
#7. Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune
Specifications:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Environment safe
- NPK ratio: 2-4-3
- Weight: 2.25 pounds
- Coverage: Approximately 2000 square feet
- Product size: 4 x 4 x 9 inches
Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune is a type of liquid fertilizer designed for vegetables and tomatoes in the early fruit-bearing stage. Your plants need to be set before putting this type of fertilizer.
Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune recommends diluting 1 ounce of tomato fertilizer to one gallon of water, using it every one or two weeks. This liquid fertilizer is used for indoor or outdoor plants. Putting them on other types of plants can also be effective.
The fertilizer offers a balanced NPK macronutrient of 2-4-3. Added nutrients like North Atlantic fish, yucca extract, molasses, humic acids, and seaweed. It ensures a healthy and strong plant. It also produces lush foliage to garner the best results when harvesting the tomatoes. Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer by Neptune is one of the best fertilizers for tomatoes available in the market.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs | Funny odor if diluted fertilizer is stored |
| Wild animals do not bother the soil. | The packaging is prone to a bottle leak. |
| Can also be used to cultivate flowers | Highly concentrated for seedlings. |
| Promotes vigorous growth | Not listed at OMRI |
| High-quality fertilizer |
#8. FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer by Fox Farm
Specifications:
- Non-organic fertilizer
- Liquid-concentrate fertilizer
- NPK ratio: 6-4-4
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Made in the USA
- Product size: 2.5 x 7.81 x 2.5 inches
FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer by Fox Farm is a concentrated fertilizer that needs to be mixed with water. It features essential micronutrients like earthworm castings and Norweigan kelp. The special solution helps grow your tomatoes into a bigger plant, producing larger fruits.
The 6-6-4 NPK ratio is suitable for most soil with low amounts of Nitrogen. However, it will still be helpful for your tomato plant. You should use the fertilizer every other watering will make your tomato plant strong and grow big. Many consumers are surprised by how their plants turn bigger than they imagined it to be.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best use for fruit and vegetable growing. | Clear sediments are visible on the bottom after not being stuck. |
| Works well on different types of plants | Prone to package leaking when delivered at your doorstep |
| Best use during warm weather | Can be too acidic for your plant |
| Produces tasty tomatoes | Inorganic fertilizer |
| Grows big plants | A bit pricey |
Fertilizing Basics for Tomatoes – Tips and Tricks
Different fertilizers are used for different stages of the tomato plant’s life. Looking for fertilizers that match changing weather conditions may be a hard task. Lots of fertilizers might leave you in confusion. With proper guidance, your tomatoes will make a lot of high quality and vibrant tomatoes at home.
Commercial fertilizers have a number series like 2-5-2 NPK. NPK stands for Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The numbers mean the fertilizer contains 2% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 2% potassium. The rest of being soil and other filler material.
Tomato plants mostly need the three nutrients. Phosphorus provides growth and development of the roots and fruit. It is best used during the first and last stages of tomato plant growth and development. Nitrogen deals with better leaves. Giving too much Nitrogen will lead to bushy plants, bearing little or no fruit.
Potassium helps the plant grow fast and produces flowers and fruit. It is crucial when it comes to tolerance for some sickness and photosynthesis. Other nutrients your tomatoes need are calcium, magnesium, boron, and zinc. Calcium helps with the root and leaf growth, producing firm tomatoes. Magnesium helps keep the plant green, improving flower and fruit quality.
Lastly, boron and zinc help with flowering and even ripening of the fruit. The majority of what your tomato plant will lack are Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The last three nutrients are provided enough by proper sunlight and adequate water supply. Tomatoes usually give fruit within four months of being planted. Here is a table of tomato fertilizing time table for your convenience:
| Tomato Plant Condition | Type of Nutrition Needed |
| The plant is growing roots (initial stage) | Phosphorus |
| Starting seeds | The seed will provide all the nutrients needed. |
| Seedlings | Potassium and Nitrogen. The first one helps plant growth, fruit, and flower production. The last one helps the plant give better leaves. |
| Plants | Carefully observe the plant to know what fertilizer it needs. Nitrogen helps the plant give better leaves, but applying too much lessens fruit production. Phosphorus is needed for fruit production. |
Top Pick – Best Fertilizers for Tomatoes
Finding the best fertilizers for tomatoes depends on the condition and what your plants need. Your plants may be in the middle of growing or in the middle of fruit-bearing already. No matter your tomato plant’s condition is Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth offers the best fertilizer in the market.
Many consumers are satisfied with how their tomatoes grow. Their tomatoes also yielded better numbers and quality than their previous harvest. Being a non-GMO fertilizer gives it an edge for having tasteful and organic tomatoes. The strong odor it produces might be off for some people. However, that is what nature is all about.
Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth retrieve better soil health when mixed with normal soil. You may also sprinkle it around plants or use it as a compost tea spray. The value for money it offers is an excellent deal for what you are getting for your plants.
If you want a hassle-free and effective fertilizer for your tomatoes, Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth is one of the best solar garden lights that you may buy.
Conclusion
Having your own set of vegetable and fruit gardens is a nice idea. You may be able to practice your gardening skills. If it works well, you may harvest your reward. However nice the idea is, you have to do proper care for your plants. Different seasons will pass by before you get to harvest your vegetables and fruits.
Many satisfied consumers also love how Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth can cure a plant people thought died already. It is not toxic to plants in any condition. Thus, making it versatile for any plant condition.
Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer by Dr. Earth is the overall winner for the best fertilizers of tomatoes. It gives value for money and effective results for your tomato plants. You will be very pleased with the tomatoes when it is time to harvest.
Before buying the best fertilizers for tomatoes, make sure that you know your plant’s state. Knowing your plants’ state is a must because you might continue killing the plant without knowing it. The given list will help you from getting what kind and type of fertilizer you need.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can your tomatoes grow in shady sites?
Tomatoes are not good for shady sites. It needs a proper sunlight display of around eight or more hours every day. Some tomatoes like Bush or determinate tomatoes can grow where there are only a few sun display (five to six hours of direct sun). These types of tomatoes are adapted to cool weather seasons.
However, you may still do so by putting it in a pot. Especially if the space is small and you want to have a tomato plant badly. You have to put it in a spot where the sun’s rays appear the longest.
How do you fertilize tomatoes?
A: It is best to fertilize tomato plants when you are still planting them. Mixing the fertilizer and soil at the bottom of the hole is a good trick to do it. After that, you may add normal soil on top. The next step will be putting your plant in the soil. You should avoid having the plant touch the raw fertilizer. It will cause “burning” for the plant.
Water the plant well and add fertilizer only after the first fruit has already been set. Some fertilizers are designed to be mixed with water. That is fine and will not cause burning. On the other hand, you should water first and spread fertilizer if you are using the shake and dispense type fertilizers. You should start about six inches or more from the plant’s base and go outward.
How often do you fertilize tomato plants?
Depending on the fertilizer you are using. Some have strong nutrients already. Looking at the manufacturer’s instruction is best suited for your plants. Some fertilizers are made to be used once every two weeks, and some are used once a month or longer.
Generally, fertilizing the soil first before putting the tomato plant is recommended. This method ensures that the plant will not get shocked or get burned from the soil’s acidity. Doing so will also ensure proper nutrients are given for the plant to grow, away from any diseases and pest infestation.
When do you know it is time to fertilize your tomato plants?
It depends on the type of fertilizer that you are going to use. Different brands have a set of different specifications on when and where to use it. You may want to check the instruction manual included on the purchased tomato fertilizer for more understanding.
However, you should add them to the soil after adding the tomato plants to your garden. You may feed them again after they have set fruit. Once it starts producing the fruit, giving them more plant food every one to two weeks is recommended. You may stop giving them plant food when the first frost arrives.
Will your tomatoes grow better in pots or the ground?
Your tomatoes will grow best in a big pot or ground. It does not matter where you set it as long as it has more soil. More nutrients will be available if you have bigger pots. Giving water and food will make your tomatoes grow big and healthy.
However, it will need more fertilizers to keep fruits coming, especially if you plant your tomatoes on the ground. Tomato plants in pots need little fertilizing. Another thing to consider will be its size. Having the tomatoes grow in a pot will make it small but tends to overgrow on the pot.