Tomatoes require a lot of nutrients to thrive. These nutrients come from the soil, which can become depleted easily if it is not replenished regularly through the use of fertilizer. Although synthetic fertilizers are available, there are many negatives associated with their use like damaging waterways, causing fertilizer burn, and leaving excess salt in the soil. Where possible organic fertilizers are safer and have the added benefit of building up your soil.
Nutrients for tomatoes are needed in varying quantities. The most needed nutrients are called macronutrients and consist of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Other important nutrients needed in smaller amounts are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), boron (B), manganese (Mn), chlorine (Cl), and molybdenum (Mo).
You can purchase synthetic fertilizers that contain some of these nutrients, or you can choose to use household items that will be natural, better for the environment, and less expensive. For great tomatoes, try some of these:
Compost: Compost is one of the very best things you can add to your soil. As the various things break down over time, they provide numerous nutrients that can drastically improve the soil. Compost should consist of both green and brown items. Green items typically contain high levels of nitrogen and consist of things like grass clippings, coffee grounds, manures, and scraps from the kitchen. Brown compost may be dried leaves, straw, sawdust, shredded cardboard and other things high in carbon. You generally want a ratio of approximately 4 parts brown to 1 part green. Dig the compost into the soil before planting, and watch your plants thrive.
Coffee Grounds: As mentioned above, dried coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, as well as potassium and magnesium. If you are a coffee drinker, don’t waste those amazing used grounds. Simply let them dry out, and then sprinkle them around your plants. You don’t need a lot, as they are slightly acidic.
Egg Shells: If you have chickens or just eat a lot of eggs, you can provide your garden with valuable calcium carbonate by using the shells. Eggs shells work best when ground up into a powder and mixed into the soil. You can also save the water that you use for boiled eggs and water your garden with that.
Banana Peels: Perhaps the best organic source of potassium is from banana peels. With up to 42% potassium and substantial amounts of phosphorus as well, you will definitely want to save them for your plants. Cut the peels up, let them sit in a sealed jar full of water for about a week, and then use it to water your plants. You can also just chop the banana peels up and bury them, though this will take longer for the nutrients to become available to the plants.
Ash from the Fire: If you use a wood burning fireplace, save those ashes because they are a good source of potassium and calcium carbonate. They are also beneficial if your soil is slightly acidic because ash may increase the pH slightly.
Epsom Salt: Your garden can also benefit from magnesium sulfate, known as epsom salt. It can help with seed germination, improve the uptake of N, P, and S, and enhance the flavor of your tomatoes. Dissolve 1 TB of epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants.
Powdered Milk: If you have powdered milk that has expired or you won’t use, your garden will gladly take it. Mix one part powdered milk (or regular milk) to 4 parts water and use it to water your garden. Milk is an excellent source of calcium which is needed to help prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.
The Secret for Great Tomatoes
These and many other household items can be beneficial in your garden. Natural products will greatly improve your soil and add valuable nutrients. If you don’t want to have to gather all these ingredients on your own, but still want the benefits of an all-natural fertilizer, Dr. JimZ Tomato Secret is the best tomato fertilizer. The experience and knowledge of four generations of tomato growers has led to the creation of Tomato Secret. It is formulated to feed the microbes in the soil and deliver direct nutrition to the plants. It has everything you will need to produce the biggest, healthiest, and most delicious tomatoes you have ever grown. Visit drjimz.com today to learn more and order your own Tomato Secret.
