Fertilizing the soil before planting tomatoes is one of the first steps you must take if you want to be successful in growing this vegetable.
We are going to tell you which products you can use and how to apply them to achieve the best possible results.
The importance of fertilizing the soil to plant tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the first vegetables we think of when we finally have our own vegetable garden. We all want to enjoy their juiciness and flavour, but growing quality tomatoes is not as easy as it seems at first glance.
To achieve good results we need a quality substrate with a good amount of nutrients, and that is where fertilizer comes into play. It is responsible for:
Provide nutrients to the soil
On its own, soil does not contain enough nutrients for tomatoes to develop well. It is the fertilizer that is responsible for providing an extra dose of essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which help in the development of roots, stems, leaves and fruits.
Improve soil structure
Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure They help improve the soil structure, making it more fluffy and airyThis promotes oxygenation of the roots and facilitates the absorption of both water and nutrients.
Increase water retention capacity
A well-fertilized soil has a greater water retention capacity, and this benefits our plants in times of drought, because reduces water stress.
Prevent diseases and pests
When plants grow in nutrient-rich soil, they are stronger and more resilient. more resistant against the attack of pests and diseases.
Increase the production and quality of fruits
Proper fertilization results in larger, juicier tomatoes with a more intense flavor.
What type of fertilizer can we use to plant tomatoes?
We can choose between organic and chemical ones, but it is always more advisable to use the most natural options possible.
Organic fertilizers
- Compost. It is very popular because it enriches the soil with slow-release nutrients, while improving its structure.
- Manure. If it is well composted and completely decomposed, it provides a large amount of nutrients.
- Earthworm humus. It is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for the soil, which makes it highly recommended to apply during the growing season.
- Guano. This natural fertilizer of animal origin is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen and is used diluted in water to avoid burning the plants.
Chemical fertilizers
The most common thing in these cases is to use NPK fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the essential nutrients that tomatoes need to grow.
How to choose the right fertilizer?
Pay attention to the growth stage. The Seedlings need a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that favors the growth of leaves and stems. While during the flowering it is more interesting to use a balanced NPK fertilizer to promote the formation of flowers and fruits.
Already during the fructification, it is best to add an extra dose of potassium so that the fruits ripen correctly and have a better flavor.
In addition to the plant's growth stage, we must also take into account the state of the soil in terms of nutrients, for which we can perform an analysis of it.
How to fertilize the soil for planting tomatoes?
To prepare our garden we are going to start clearing the land from weeds and remains of previous crops. Ideally, the soil should be tilled to a minimum depth of 30 cm, to promote soil aeration and allow the roots to develop more easily.
If you are going to use organic fertilizer, keep these prescriptions in mind:
- Compost or manure. Spread an even layer over the surface of the soil. The amount will depend on the quality of the fertilizer and the characteristics of the soil, but you don't want to overdo it or you could burn the roots.
- Earthworm humus. This is a more concentrated fertilizer, so we are not going to use a lot of it. What you have to do is spread it evenly over the surface.
If you resort to chemical fertilizers, follow these tips:
- Granules. Spread the grains evenly over the surface of the soil.
- liquids. Dilute in water according to the manufacturer's instructions and water the soil before planting.
It is important that the compost mixes well with the soil, and you can do this manually with a rake or with a tiller if your land is large.
If you choose to do raised beds, then you must incorporate the compost directly into the soil that you are going to use to create them.
Once the compost has been applied, you can add a small amount of compost to the bottom of each hole before placing the plant in its place. However, you should never bury the seeds or seedlings directly in the compost, as this can cause them to burn.
Even if you added a good amount of fertilizer at planting time, you'll likely need to fertilize again later because tomato plants use up a lot of nutrients from the soil as they grow and produce fruit.
You can use Liquid fertilizers every 15 or 20 days throughout the growing season. If you prefer granular fertilizers, spread them around the plant and water, this can be done every three or four weeks.
If you detect significant nutritional deficiencies, then you can use foliar fertilizers, which are applied directly to the leaves.
As an extra recommendation, Alternate the use of organic and chemical fertilizers to maintain healthy soil and with a balanced nutrient level. But don't overdo the dosage or you may cause excessive vegetative growth to the detriment of fruiting.
Fertilizing the soil for planting tomatoes will help ensure the success of your harvest. You just have to choose quality products, apply them well and never overdo it. Can you tell us how you fertilize tomatoes?