6 hours Ago By Angela Patrone
Tomatoes that are homegrown taste infinitely better than the tasteless ones you buy in the shops. However, gardeners need to feed them the right nutrients for the fruit to taste great. The optimal time to nourish tomato plants is once they’ve taken root, typically two to three weeks after being planted outdoors, usually around early to mid-May.
Laura Azcarraga, an RHS-certified horticulturist and founder of the Meadowlark Journal, recommends a “tried and tested” homemade fertiliser for “bigger and juicier yields”. She stated: “While there’s a vast market of commercial products out there, nothing quite matches the sustainability and purity of a homemade tomato fertiliser. “Not only is this method environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but it also provides a direct connection between the grower and the grown, ensuring that what goes into the soil is natural, organic, and free from harmful chemicals.
” One tablespoon of Epsom salt Four to five eggshells Two tablespoons of bone meal One tablespoon of baking soda One gallon of water Epsom salt is packed with magnesium and sulfur, vital nutrients for tomato plants' photosynthesis, while eggshells are calcium-rich, crucial for cellular development and warding off blossom end rot, a common tomato ailment. Bone meal is also a good source of calcium and contains phosphorus, essential when tomatoes start fruiting, and baking soda aids in disease prevention. To give your tomato plants a nutrient boost, all you need to do is thoroughly rinse your eggshells to remove any remaining egg and leave them to dry out completely.
Once they’re bone dry, crush the shells into a fine powder. You can use a clean plastic bag and bash them with a rolling pin or opt for a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder for a finer grind. In a container, mix the powdered egg shells, Epsom salt, bone meal, and baking powder.
Then, slowly add water into the mixture, stirring continuously to ensure everything dissolves properly. Laura explained: “This step dilutes the mixture to a safe concentration for the plants.” For optimal use, water your tomato plants at the base with this concoction, avoiding splashing any on the leaves.
Apply the homemade fertiliser every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. Should you have any fertiliser left over, just pop it in an airtight container and stash it somewhere cool and dry until its next use. Laura pointed out that while this DIY fertiliser packs many of the essential ingredients for robust tomato growth, it’s vital to monitor your soil and test what nutrients your plants may require.
She added: “This DIY fertiliser provides a balanced mix of nutrients, but it's important to observe your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiency or excess and adjust your fertilisation practices accordingly.”.
