Easy method to make liquid and organic fertilizer for tomato plants.

Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and therefore require fertilizer or nutritional supplements all through their growing stage. Rather than using too much capital purchasing bags, it’s prudent to learn a few methods of making organic fertilizer.

One of the most significant benefits of making organic fertilizer in your farm yard is that you make what the plants require based on the soil type.Before planting it’s always advisable to first test your soil to specify the nutrients that are lacking. After soil test completion you can now proceed to add the nutrients plants might require that are deficient in the soil.

Be cautious with some organic fertilizer recipes you find online since most of them contain too much nitrogen.

Nitrogen is essential for tomato plants though in the early stages of growth. Too much nitrogen can lead to few and small fruits. Avoid nitrogen at flowering and fruiting stage.

In this article we will show you the best method to make organic fertilizer for tomato plants in different stages of their growth.

What are the nutrients tomatoes require for optimum growth

Farmers must have a clear understanding of which nutrients tomatoes need for proper growth and development. Since tomato plants require different nutrients as per their growth stage, this knowledge helps tomato growers, on when and why to apply nutrients to the plants.

The main nutrients required by tomato plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each nutrient is significant to the growth of the plant.

Below are the nutrients required during the different growth stages of tomatoes

What are nutrients required in transplanting

During transplanting stage tomato need to be fed with little nitrogen and phosphorous. If compost manure is used at this stage then you should avoid nitrogen as it can burn your plants.

The only thing to add in the soil is phosphorous, which can be achieved by mixing banana peels and crushed bones with compost. Otherwise, you can consider putting bone meal in the transplanting holes.

Nutrients needed after transplanting

During this growing phase, nitrogen is required to help in forming all structures like chlorophyll.

The soil must contain nitrogen, and if you find that the bottom leaves of the plants turning yellow, it could be a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Add a little bit more. This is the only stage where nitrogen is needed in large quantities.

Nutrients required during the fruiting stage

At this stage, potassium should be added in large quantities. And if you can, avoid nitrogen at this stage because if used in large quantities can lead to overgrowth of leaves and few flowers.

Potassium is important during this stage as it enhances and promotes healthy and stronger stems.

When is the perfect time to add fertilizer to your plants

Fertilizer should be added to the soil a few times, and that includes during seedling growing at the nursery.

Compost manure or fertilizer should be thoroughly mixed with soil in the transplanting hole. Note that a good compost manure can sustain tomato plants to maturity, without adding any fertilizer.

How to make good organic fertilizer on your farm for tomato plants

A good quality organic fertilizer for tomato plants utilizes high-quality compost manure at the base.

Composted manure from rabbits or chickens is the best and recommend one since it produces a high quantity of nutrients required by plants.

In addition, compost is fully packed with large quantities of macronutrients and micronutrients that plants feed all through their growing stages.

Add Wood ash to your compost

Wood ash is an excellent source of potassium and phosphorus which are essential to tomato plants. However, be careful not to add too much of it, as can increase soil acidity levels.

How to make liquid organic fertilizer for tomatoes

Farmers who wish to go organic farming prefer to apply liquid fertilizer also referred to as tea fertilizer. It takes a lot of time to make but it’s worth it. For best practice below is what you need to do.

Take a kilo of compost manure created, add into a bucket full of water and stir the mixture every day for at least 5 days.

After 5 days, you should drain the water in another bucket and apply this organic fertilizer to your plants immediately.

Note: one mistake many farmers make is sourcing bad advice that organic fertilizers, don’t work.