How to Fertilize Tomatoes Synthetically

Because plants use nutrients in the soil, most garden soils require fertilizers to help replace those nutrients. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers do the job, but in different ways. Because they aren't water-soluble, organic fertilizers are typically slow-release, which means the nutrients are released over a period of time. The nutrients in synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, dissolve in water, making them available for immediate uptake by the plant's roots. Ideally, your tomato fertilizer program begins with a soil nutrient test that can be performed by the local cooperative extension office. With the results in hand, you know exactly which nutrients the soil requires and the appropriate amount to use.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Measuring cup
• Hoe
• Measuring spoons

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Add fertilizer to the soil when preparing to plant tomatoes. Plant scientists with the University of Missouri Extension recommend synthetic starter fertilizer analyses such as 8-32-16 or 6-24-24. Use ½-cup to 1-½ cups per 100 square feet, depending on the results of a soil fertility test. Use a hoe to mix the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil.

   • 2

     Wait until the tomato plant sets fruit to reapply synthetic fertilizer. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of 10-10-10, sprinkled over the soil around each tomato plant. Water to a depth of 6 inches to soak the fertilizer to the tomato's roots.

   • 3

     Reapply the same fertilizer, at the same rate, every 10 days until harvest.