How often should I fertilize?

8 years ago

I'm growing tomatoes in containers for the first time. How often should I fertilize? I will be mostly using 6-6-6 with a shot of Miracle Gro tomato food now and then.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
I prefer a liquid formulation (my choice is Dyna Gro's Liquid Grow) and I use it weekly at half strength (weekly, weakly). I follow the same routine on all my seasonal containers.
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
No one can offer meaningful (to you) advice about fertilizer frequency for your specific application without a good idea of of what you're growing in and your watering habits. E.g., if using a water retentive soil that you have to water in sips to prevent over-watering, once per month might be adequate, If you're using a fast-draining, well-aerated medium you're flushing at each watering, once per week might not be enough.

I use Foliage-Pro 9-3-6 with a fast draining mix and fertilize weekly (when temperatures are favorable) at well beyond recommended full strength in the summer. In winter under lights, I fertilize at every watering, using 1/4 tsp per gallon of water, making sure the pots are flushed as I water.

There is no way of knowing if this is appropriate for your situation w/o more info, though.

Al
Related Discussions
growing transplants from seed.....need help with fertilizing
Q
Comments (0)
I have a planting chart from a seed company I order from with recommended fall planting dates (varies depending on what veggie it is). I am growing seedlings under a grow light to transplant for fall harvest. According to the chart for napa cabbage you should transplant them out around July 25th, and they should be about 2-3 weeks old. Should I repot it to a larger container? I heard napa doesn't like to have it's roots disturbed and it's in a 2" nursery pot. It's not a peat pot/cow pot either, just a small, square plastic nursery pot w/holes for drainage. I am growing napa cabbage under a grow light; it's about 1 week old. It has one set of true leaves. It started to put on the 2nd set of true leaves, and was growing vigorously, but now it doesn't seem to be doing anything. I'm going to fertilize using a liquid fish fertilizer; it will be applied at quarter strength (1-1/2 teaspoons of fertilizer per gallon of water). How often should I fertilize the seedlings?
...See More
How often should I fertilize hot peppers?
Q
Comments (4)
I would suggest 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended strength MG 15-30-15 every 2-4 weeks. Wish that I could give you exact figures, but most or many of us that container grow with artificial fertilizers do it by 'ear' or perhaps 'eyeballing' describes it better. You will learn by experience how to read leaf color etc for how often to fertilize. It is in my opinion much better to err on the side of under-fertilizing. Put in a larger pot to start with. Try to disturb the root system as little as possible. I would go to a one gallon container or at least half that.
...See More
When to apply Pre Emergent and how often should I fertilize my lawn?
Q
Comments (11)
I use a pre-emergent without nitrogen and look for what's available at my local stores. Southern States had a granular product with Dimension (0-0-7) and I got that. I used something similar last year, but I may have gotten it from Home Depot then. If you plan to overseed in the fall, be sure to read instructions on how soon after using the pre-emergent you can reseed. That may affect which one you choose.
...See More
Fertilizing Azaleas
Q
Comments (2)
The first one seems better overall. It contains less nitrogen, some of which is slow release. The 30% nitrogen of the second is a HIGH level, and might induce excessive leaf growth. The GYPSUM in the first fertilizer will add calcium without raising soil pH. Once azaleas are established they shouldn't need much fertilizer, and inorganic fertilizers damage mycorrhizal fungi which help plant roots get what they need from the soil. It's better to add a layer of compost, then mulch over that. If you must fertilize do it early; never fertilize after June. The Azalea Society of America has these RECOMMENDATIONS.
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)

By Matt Kilburn

Quit shelling out for pricey substitutes that aren’t even as good. Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load

Full Story

112

GARDENING GUIDES What's Wrong With My Plant? Leaves Often Hold the Clues

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to identify common plant ailments by reading their leaves

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Prairie Wildflowers That Can Heal Your Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get free, organic soil fertilizer with nitrogen-pumping plants that draw pollinators too

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Pacific Northwest Gardener: What to Do in September

By Le jardinet

Put in cool-weather veggies, fertilize your lawn and tidy the garden this month before chilly weather arrives

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Switch to an Organic Landscape Plan

By Falon Mihalic

Ditch the chemicals for a naturally beautiful lawn and garden, using living fertilizers and other nontoxic treatments

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Common Myths That May Be Hurting Your Garden

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Discover the truth about fertilizer, soil, staking and more to keep your plants healthy and happy

Full Story

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Southeast Gardener's September Checklist

By Gardening with Confidence®

Fertilize strawberries, plant a tree or two and beckon hummingbirds to your Southern garden this month

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Southwest Gardener's August Checklist

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Manage monsoon effects, remember to fertilize and don't let the heat deter you from planting for fall

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Rocky Mountain Gardener: What to Do in July

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Keep the party going all summer long with smart watering methods and fertilizer. Get ready for next year and order bulbs now

Full Story

How often should I fertilize?

Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US