✅ Answer
In the summer, specifically in July, tomatoes are in their fruiting and blooming stages. During this period, they critically need potassium and phosphorus, while nitrogen should be kept to a minimum so the plant doesn't put all its energy into leafy growth. The best options include wood ash solution, monopotassium phosphate, and boron. When determining the dosage, focus on the soil area rather than the individual bush—manufacturers usually provide this information on the packaging.
Why is feeding tomatoes in mid-summer necessary?
By July, tomato bushes have already exhausted the supply of nutrients placed in the soil during planting. For the fruits to be sweet, large, and crack-free, proper nutrition is required. The soil (usually the planting holes where the roots grow) may no longer contain everything needed for tomato growth. If not fed on time, the plant may struggle to fight off diseases and fail to properly form and develop its fruits.Best feeding options
- Wood ash solution: 1 cup of wood ash (coal ash will not work) per 2.5 gallons (10 liters) of water. This is an excellent source of potassium.
- Boron: A foliar spray (10 g per 2.5 gallons / 10 L of water) helps improve fruit setting. However, if using pure boric acid, you must be extremely careful, as miscalculating the dose can have negative consequences. Therefore, we recommend using ready-made organic products that contain boron.
- Phosphorus: Gives strength to the roots, improves the taste of the tomatoes, and helps form the fruits while enhancing their flavor profile. The most common fertilizers are superphosphate and monopotassium phosphate.
ℹ️ Note: Important: Only apply root fertilizers after heavily watering the bushes with plain water to avoid burning the roots! Always try to strictly follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions.
???? Purely traditional organic remedies (Ash, yeast) and their pros:
- Completely safe for humans.
- Improve soil structure and enrich the soil.
- Fruits turn out much sweeter.
Common problems during this time of year
If you notice leaf curling or the appearance of insects, pests have likely attacked your bushes. Be sure to read our complete guide on how to get rid of aphids in your garden.❓ Can I feed tomatoes with manure in July?
Yes and no. Manure is an excellent fertilizer, containing a lot of nitrogen and other elements, but it must be used with caution, especially when steeped (like manure tea). If you use only manure, the bushes will grow huge, but you will likely see almost no fruit. At this stage, try to stick to potassium-phosphorus fertilizers.