The best fertilizer for tomatoes is these two types.
Type 1: Composted straw fertilizer, specifically for soil improvement and root growth
Raw materials: corn stalks, weeds, leaves, crushed corn husks, leftover vegetables from the vegetable garden
Fermentation method: Stack the materials in layers on the open ground, with one layer of straw and one layer of soil. Pour water on them, sprinkle a small amount of livestock and poultry manure to accelerate decomposition, cover with plastic film and seal for fermentation for one and a half months. When it becomes completely black, soft and odorless, it can be used.
Core function: Specifically improves compacted loess, loosens the soil layer, and enhances soil aeration. Tomatoes are deep-rooted crops, and their root systems are sensitive to suffocation. By burying the base fertilizer in the compost made from straw, waterlogging and root rot caused by excessive water are prevented, allowing the root systems to grow deeper and absorb nutrients.
There is an abundance of organic matter and the soil microorganisms are active, which helps prevent root rot and bacterial wilt. By maintaining the plot throughout the process, the soil will not become increasingly barren year after year for continuous vegetable cultivation.
Usage method: When preparing the soil and making ridges, lay it at the bottom as a base fertilizer. It will continuously supply essential nutrients throughout the growing season. The plants will grow steadily during the seedling stage and the recovery period, without excessive growth or yellowing leaves.
Second type: Composted peanut meal fertilizer and water mixture, specifically for improving fruit expansion and enhancing sweetness.
Ingredients: The peanut meal left over from oil extraction
Fermentation method: Crush the peanut meal into small pieces and put them into a plastic bucket. Fill the bucket with water up to eight parts full, add a small amount of brown sugar, seal it and expose it to the sun for fermentation for 20 days. Open the lid every few days to release the gas. When there is no sour or foul smell, the fermentation is complete.
Core function: High phosphorus and high potassium content, along with abundant plant protein. It is a special fertilizer for tomato fruiting period.
Tomato flowering, fruit setting and fruit enlargement all rely on phosphorus and potassium. Lack of potassium can lead to small fruits, green skins, sourness and cracking of the fruits. Peanut meal is gentle and slow-release, it won't burn the roots, and can continuously supply nutrients. The fruits expand rapidly, the skin is bright red, the flesh is juicy and sweet, and the sweetness is significantly enhanced.
Usage method: Mix the original liquid with water in a ratio of 8:1. Place the tomatoes (about the size of walnuts) firmly in the container and start watering. Do this once every 7 to 10 days. Apply fertilizer once after each harvest. This will promote continuous flowering and fruiting, and extend the harvest period.
Use the complete solution in combination with both of them
1. Planting base preparation: Throughout the process of land preparation, use decomposed and well-rotted straw compost. Deep ploughing and mixing to improve soil fertility and promote root growth, laying a solid foundation.
2. Fertilization after fruit setting: After the peanuts have formed their fruits, apply peanut meal fertilizer and water to enhance quality, promote fruit enlargement and increase sweetness.
3. Auxiliary enhancement: Scatter a small amount of wood ash between the rows to replenish potassium fertilizer and prevent diseases.
Maintenance and Supporting Measures
The straw compost must be fully decomposed. If raw straw is buried in the soil, it will generate heat and damage the roots.
2. When applying peanut meal fertilizer and water, avoid watering during the noon hours. Fertilizing in the evening is more beneficial for absorption.
3. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be used excessively alone. By relying solely on the two main fertilizers, tomatoes will not grow excessively in terms of branches and leaves, and will only grow stems without bearing fruit.
