The Best Tomato Fertilizer Schedule To Increase Yields

This season, my tomato plants have reached unprecedented levels of vigor and production, all thanks to some adjustments I made to my fertilizer schedule. 

✔️📧 Get my FREE Tomato Fertilizer Schedule printable PDF sent to your email HERE. 

Watch the YouTube version of this blog post that reviews my tomato fertilizer schedule:

Tomato Fertilization: Goals & Nutrient Basics

Tomato fertilization isn't just about feeding your plants; it's about strategically triggering flower production for optimal fruit yield. To grasp this concept, let's delve into the basics of nutrients.

Nitrogen fuels lush green growth, crucial for establishing young seedlings. Phosphorus supports root development, nutrient uptake, and flowering, while potassium influences fruit quality and appearance. Achieving the right balance is key, as excessive nitrogen can lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Tomato Fertilizer Schedule:

I've tailored my fertilizer schedule into two distinct stages:

Stage 1 - Initial Planting

Stage 2 - Flowering & Production.

Stage 1: Initial Planting

When transplanting tomato seedlings, kickstart growth by adding a balanced fertilizer like Espoma Tomato-Tone, into the planting hole. Once you notce new growth on the tomato seedling, apply some more Tomato-Tone around the base of the plant. Follow up with additional Tomato-Tone every three weeks to sustain growth until flowering begins.

Find Espoma Tomato-Tone fertilizer from Amazon HERE.

Stage 2: Flowering & Production

Once you notice the first set of flower clusters, start using a bloom booster fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, and reducing the amount of nitrogen used. Alternate between bloom booster and Tomato-Tone every three weeks to support flower and fruit development throughout the season.

I really like Element Nutrients Flower Fuel Bloom Booster that you can find HERE. 

Here's a bonus tip: encourage pollination by gently shaking tomato flower clusters to release pollen, ensuring increased fruit set.