Fertilizing My Tomato Plants.

Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7

8 years ago

There are a lot of choices out there with different formulations and costs Here is What I am currently using:

!- Alaska MORBLOOM >> 32 fl oz @ << $5.00: Analysis 0-10-10 NPK

2- Miracle Grow All purpose liquid.>> 32 fl oz @ < $7.00

--- Analysis 12 -4 - 8 NPK:

BACKGROUND:

Early in the season I was just using the MG, thinking that it is all I need. Then I experienced slow/less flowering and fruit setting. That got me into thinking. Then, after doing some homework, I came to the understanding ( Not 100% sure) that I need something with lower Nitrogen and higher Potassium and phosphorus than what is in MG (12-4-8) proportionally.

Enter the Alaska MORMLOOM (0-10-10).

If it is used by itself (nothing else), it has ZERO nitrogen. But tomato plants need some Nitrogen too

HOME BREW:

I make a 50/50 mixture of the (1) and (2) above and the resulting mix has the following NPK ratio:

*** N = (0 + 12)/2 = 6%

*** P = ( 10 + 4)/2 = 7 %

*** K= ( 10 + 8 )/2 = 9%

That is a dramatic improvement over MG 12-4-8. It is a 50% reduction in N . This mixture has close to 2.0 - 2.3 - 3.0 NPK ratio . Note that it is the relative concentration of the NPK and not numerical quantities of them . While MG has 50% more N than K, in the mixture it is the opposite, ie. K is 50% more than N. That is what I wanted , to reverse the NK proportion.

ECONOMIC:

Combining MG (32 oz) and AMB (32 oz) makes 64 fl-oz of mixture. Using it at ONE Tbs per gallon (Full strength) it will make 128 gallons of watering solution. But I use it at half strength. So that will make 256 gallons. or under 10 cents for a 2 gallon watering can of solution. or about ONE buck per week at the rate I am using it:

Possibilities:

I can even further reduce N and increase P, K by mixing more Alaska MB. For example if I use 60/40 mixture I will get 4.8 - 7.6 -9.2 or close to 2 -3 - 4 ratio. Vs current 2 - 2.3 - 3.0 ratio.

I like the ease of application and its low cost.

I thought to share my method, just in case somebody wants to make use of it.

Sey

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Comments (5)

PcolaGrower
7 years ago
Hey Sey, Do you still use this combination. I wanna know what's the best way (best stuff) to fertilize when you first plant out tomatoes?
stevie
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
stick to organic fertilizer if you can. they help build the soil in the long run.. Jobes Organic makes good fertilizer for tomatoes/vegetables. maybe use fish emulsion at the start of the season, the plants need the extra nitrogen boost.. can also try espoma tomato tone or garden tone..
i was fortunate that i scored a couple 4lb bags of Jobes Tomato/vegetable fertilizer for $1.50 a bag at walmart today.. what a bargain.. my guess it was a price mistake ;)
the stuff has beneficial fungi in it (Espoma does as well).
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I'm not an expert, but there are several on the market that can provide a good P-K rich blend you need. Phosphorus will promote root growth; Potassium is for flowering and fruiting. All plants need a little Nitrogen but don't overdo it. Miracle-Grow for tomatoes is good, and there are some others that Lowes and Home Depot (& probably Wal-Mart) sell that provide higher ratios of Phosphorus and Potassium. I think one is 'Ultra-Green' and another I've seen is by Green Light called Super Bloom that is high in Phosphorus I think. I've used a liquid concentrate called 'Earth Juice' and also put Osmocote slow release granules & composted cow manuer (Black Kow) in the hole when I plant. I supplement with water soluble feedings and also use Epsom Salts. Some folks use Compost Tea (homemade). I have also used the MG tomato fertilizer as a general purupose and go-to fertilizer every couple of weeks. Hope this helps. You really have to find what works well for you and your soil. How big is your garden?
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PcolaGrower
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Yeah, I used Jobes in some beds and happy frog AP in the others last season, they worked out pretty good, I just wanna know if there is something better I can be doing when I plant them. I do like the extra beneficial, but I also use a mykos product with great results.
stevie
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
i'd like to use crab meal, but can't justify the price. the stuff is super expensive for something that would otherwise be waste and thrown out (supply/demand?). i do know that plants love it. a lot of companies used to use it in their fertilizer blends (such as tomato tone) but have eliminated it from it.. my guess is due to costs..

Alaska fish/kelp pellets is also an excellent fertilizer. i used the stuff 2 years ago and my tomato plants when nuts over it.. plants grew from small 6-8" cuttings to 3+ ft tall in less than a month, but at $7-8 for a small bag it is not economical for a large area. it's great for container gardening.

i've also used Jobes organic "water soluble" fertilizer: box image (ingredients).

it has kelp and tons of fungi in it too.. not too expensive (about $6) for a box and i would recommend that bundled with some kind of manure,. it beats Miracle grow any day of the week which costs about the same.
Seysonn_ 8a-NC/HZ-7
Original Author
7 years ago
PcolaGrower(8a-8b Sunset 28 NW FL) Hey Sey, Do you still use this combination.

--------------------------

haha. I relocated last September and lost all my programs. Started a new garden from scratch ( I mean sandy soil, that is almost scratch.. hehe)

I had almost 2 years supply of fertilizers when I moved and left everything behind. Noy I am trying to rebuild my gardening life (hehe) .

Now you are asking me this question " Hey Sey, Do you still use this combination." . Gowd ! I don't even know where the heck I am. lol

But to be serious, I have to get some More Bloom and start making a 2-3-4 ratio. But I am waiting for soil analysis data from county extension. I am like a blind person trying to shoot a target. lol

sey

Fertilizing My Tomato Plants.

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PcolaGrower

stevie

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Fertilizing My Tomato Plants.

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