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You are here: Experts > Food/Drink > Vegetarian Cuisine > Growing Vegetables > Fertilizer for tomatoes
Expert: Mike Mascio - 10/30/2009
Question
Hi there; I live in AUstralia and am currently in the process of transplanting tomatos from little containers to bigger 40cm pots. I'm just wondering about the fertilising needs of tomatoes. What are essential ingredients if there is fertilising required? My local supermarket seems to have mostly granulated fertiliser; how do they work?
Thanks!
Answer
Kathy, tomatoes require high amounts of phosphorus and calcium. The phosphorus promotes large tomatoes and a heavy harvest. The calcium is necessary for good color. If your soil lacks calcium, the tomatoes will develop rotten spots, primarily at the bottom of the tomato.
I always recommend a water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio of 10-20-20. Miracle-Gro and Schultz, along with several other companies, produce fertilizers specially made for tomatoes and peppers. These can be found in most garden centers. These products also include calcium and other nutrients needed for strong growth.
Avoid fertilizers with the first number being the highest, since this represents nitrogen. Nitrogen is needed for green foliage, so it works great on grass and lettuce. However, excessive nitrogen on tomatoes will result in lush foliage, but smaller tomatoes and a sparse harvest.
I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.
Regards,
Mike
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