Growing tomatoes in the ground requires not only proper care, but also the correct application of fertilizers.
Gardeners often face the question of what fertilizers to use to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.
Proper selection and application of fertilizers plays a key role in plant health and fruit quality.
The Importance of Fertilizers When Planting Tomatoes
Tomatoes need rich nutrient soil for normal growth and fruiting. Deficiency or excess of certain elements can lead to plant diseases, poor harvest and loss of taste of fruits.
Adding fertilizer during planting creates favorable conditions for the development of the root system and strengthening of young plants.
Tomatoes require nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, as well as microelements: calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Each of these elements plays an important role at different stages of growth. Nitrogen promotes the development of green mass, phosphorus strengthens roots and improves flowering, and potassium increases plant resistance to diseases and improves fruit quality.
Organic Fertilizers: Benefits and Applications
To provide tomatoes with the necessary nutrition, organic fertilizers are one of the best solutions. They not only provide the plants with the necessary elements, but also improve the structure of the soil, increasing its fertility.
Among the variety of organic fertilizers, compost, humus, manure and wood ash stand out.
Compost is a universal fertilizer that enriches the soil with humus and beneficial microorganisms.
Humus, formed as a result of decomposition of plant and animal remains, is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which makes it an excellent fertilizer for tomatoes. Manure is a valuable source of nitrogen and microelements. But it must be well rotted, otherwise it can cause root burn.
Wood ash, which contains potassium, calcium and microelements, is useful for tomatoes in small quantities. It is better to add ash to the soil in the fall or a few weeks before planting, so that the elements have time to be evenly distributed and absorbed.
Mineral fertilizers: how to choose and use
Mineral fertilizers provide a quick and effective way to replenish nutrient deficiencies. They are available in granules, powders, and liquid solutions, allowing you to choose the most convenient format for application.
Among the mineral fertilizers for tomatoes, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate stand out.
Superphosphate is an excellent source of phosphorus, which is necessary for strengthening the root system and improving flowering.
It is recommended to add it to the planting holes before planting the seedlings. Ammonium nitrate, which contains nitrogen, helps the active growth of young plants. However, it is important not to exceed the dosage to avoid excessive accumulation of nitrates in the fruits.
Potassium sulfate provides tomatoes with potassium, which increases their resistance to diseases and improves the taste of the fruit.
This fertilizer can be used both as a main fertilizer and for top dressing during the growing season.
Biological growth stimulants: additional benefits
Biological growth stimulants are an additional tool for increasing tomato yields. They stimulate root formation, improve seed germination and increase plant resistance to stress conditions.
Preparations based on humic acids, amino acids and phytohormones are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners.
Humic acids, obtained from natural sources such as peat and brown coal, help improve the soil structure and increase its water-holding capacity. Amino acids accelerate the metabolism of plants, which has a positive effect on their growth and development. Phytohormones, such as gibberellins and cytokinins, stimulate cell growth and activate flowering and fruiting processes.
Tips for Proper Fertilization
Proper application of fertilizers when planting tomatoes requires following several key rules.
Firstly, it is important not to overdo it with dosages, so as not to overfeed the plants and cause accumulation of harmful substances in the fruits.
Secondly, fertilizers should be applied evenly and thoroughly mixed into the soil so that the nutrients are available to the roots.
Before planting seedlings, it is recommended to add compost or humus mixed with a small amount of mineral fertilizers to the planting holes.
After planting, the plant must be watered generously so that the roots begin to absorb nutrients. During the growing season, you can fertilize, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers.
Previously we told you how to grow large watermelons in your garden .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
