Fertilizing Container Tomatoes & Peppers: Organic Options & Calcium

Container Veggies Need More Fertilizer—But Choose Wisely

Nutrients leach quickly in pots. You don't "eat the fertilizer"—plants convert it into tissue. But synthetic salts can build up. Organic/natural feeds are gentler.

Recommended Regimen

• At planting: Mix slow-release organic fertilizer (e.g., Espoma Tomato-tone) into potting mix.
• Every 2-3 weeks: Liquid feed with fish emulsion + kelp (e.g., Neptune's Harvest).
• Calcium supplement: Crush 1-2 calcium tablets (Tums/generic) per pot weekly from first flowers. Prevents blossom end rot.

Critical: Sunlight Is Your Limiting Factor

"A couple hours of sun" is insufficient. Tomatoes/peppers need 6-8 hours direct sun. Without it, no amount of fertilizer produces fruit. Consider:

• Moving pots to sunniest spot (use casters).
• Reflective surfaces (white boards, foil).
• Growing shade-tolerant crops instead (lettuce, herbs, greens).

Watering Correctly

Water deeply until drainage—ensures entire root zone moist. Let top 2 inches dry between. Inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot more than calcium lack.

Styrofoam in Bottom?

Not needed with drainage holes. Use a coffee filter or screen over holes instead.