Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Container Tomatoes

Introduction

Tomatoes in pots need specific nutrients for high yields and to prevent disorders like blossom-end rot.

Essential Nutrients for Tomatoes

• Phosphorus: Promotes large fruit and heavy harvests.
• Calcium: Prevents blossom-end rot (black, sunken spots on fruit bottoms).

Recommended Fertilizer Ratios

Use a water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-20-20 or similar (higher phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen). Brands like Miracle-Gro and Schultz offer tomato-specific formulas that include calcium.

Avoiding Excess Nitrogen

High-nitrogen fertilizers (first number highest) produce lush foliage but fewer, smaller tomatoes. Stick to tomato/pepper blends.

Conclusion

Feed container tomatoes with a high-phosphorus, calcium-containing fertilizer every 2 weeks for best results.