Seedling & transplant
- Hole prep: a handful of mild organic base (low salt index), mixed into the backfill.
- Water-in: drench with clean water (optionally a light kelp/seaweed per label) to settle roots.
- First 7–10 days: prioritize steady moisture, wind/heat protection; skip strong nitrogen.
Transplant shock + high salts = curled leaves and stalled roots. Keep EC low and moisture consistent — growth takes off faster than with heavy early feeds.
Vegetative push (canopy without flop)
Aim for modest nitrogen and good potassium for sturdy stems. If leaves pale, use a small weekly water-soluble feed rather than one big dose. Train and tie early to keep airflow.
- Target N-P-K trend: ~1-1-1 → 1-1-1.5 by late veg.
- Micros: a little Mg & S helps chlorophyll and enzyme activity.
Flowering & first fruit set
- Calcium availability is key against blossom-end rot (BER). The #1 fix is even watering; supplements help only if water rhythm and root health are right.
- Ease off N: favor balanced or slightly higher K for fruiting (e.g. trending to 1-1-2).
- Avoid foliar during heat/sun — spray, if ever, at cool hours and per label.
Watering rhythm (the hidden fertilizer)
Tomatoes hate shocks. Keep soil moist like a wrung-out sponge. In containers or sandy beds, split irrigation into pulses; in heavy soils, irrigate less often but long enough to reach the root zone.
- Avoid dry/wet swings → BER, cracking, bitter white core.
- Watch EC: if tips burn or margins crisp, flush with plain water and resume lighter feeds.
Week-by-week plan (seedling → first pick)
Water-in only + mild organic base in hole; shade if hot/windy.
Check color; if pale, 1/4-rate water-soluble feed. Start training ties.
Repeat 1/4-rate feed. Prune lowest leaves touching soil.
Move toward 1-1-1.5 N-P-K; tighten watering rhythm.
First trusses: ease off N, raise K slightly; ensure Ca availability.
Spot-feed only if leaves pale; keep airflow and tie leaders.
Fruits sizing: hold steady; avoid salt spikes and heat-hour sprays.
First pick window; keep moisture boringly even, harvest regularly.
Stages & nutrition at a glance
| Stage | N-P-K trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant | Low, balanced | Low EC; root settle and recovery |
| Vegetative | ~1-1-1 → 1-1-1.5 | Color check weekly; split doses |
| Flowering & set | ~1-1-2 | K and Ca availability; steady moisture |
| Fruit sizing | Balanced, moderate | Avoid spikes; watch cracking risk |
Quick fixes (without overfeeding)
1/4-rate soluble feed once; reassess in 3–4 days. Keep even moisture. Do not double a missed dose.
Flush with plain water; resume lighter, more frequent feeds. Check run-off EC where applicable.
Stabilize watering first. Use label-approved Ca sources; avoid lush N during first trusses.
Irrigate earlier; avoid mid-day foliar. Improve airflow and consider temporary shade cloth.
Related products
Low-salt starter for transplants and steady early growth.
For gentle weekly feeds; dissolve fully and apply to moist soil.
FAQ
Can I mix organic base and mineral feeds?
Yes — it’s common. Keep total N-P-K within label guidance and watch EC; split into lighter doses.
Is foliar calcium a cure for BER?
It helps only when watering is even and roots can take up nutrients. The primary fix is consistent soil moisture.
How do I know I’m overfeeding?
Dark, floppy growth, tip burn and crusting on soil surface. Flush with water and resume at lower, split rates.