If you're looking for the best liquid fertilizer for tomatoes to help them produce an abundant harvest this year, then you have come to the right place!
We have picked the six top-rated fertilizers available in the market. In this article, we'll dive into their efficacy when used on tomatoes, along with pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you.
Here are the best liquid fertilizers for tomatoes you can buy in 2024:
- Best For More Abundant Crop: Fox Farm Fertilizer FFGB32OZ-1
- Best For Container And Hydroponics: Botanicare HGC732110
- Best For Aerogarden: AeroGarden 970281-0000
- Best For Cherry Tomatoes: Bloom City 2-0-0 Professional-Grade Ultra-Pure Fertilizer
- Best For Root Growth: Neptune's Harvest 2-4-2 Tomato & Veg Fertilizer
- Best For Flavorful Tomatoes: Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer
| 6 Best Liquid Fertilizers For Tomatoes | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For More Abundant Crop | Fox Farm Fertilizer FFGB32OZ-1 | |
Best For Container And Hydroponics | Botanicare HGC732110 | |
Best For Aerogarden | AeroGarden 970281-0000 | |
Best For Cherry Tomatoes | Bloom City 2-0-0 Professional-Grade Ultra-Pure Fertilizer | |
Best For Root Growth | Neptune's Harvest 2-4-2 Tomato & Veg Fertilizer | |
Best For Flavorful Tomatoes | Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer | |
Best For More Abundant Crop: Fox Farm Fertilizer FFGB32OZ-1
- Produce more abundant crops - aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss and earthworm castings
- Easy to dose out the right amount for the plant’s needs - Twin Canaries Chart
- A bit pricey
We used this fertilizer for our tomato garden and was amazed at how quickly our plants started growing and producing fruits and flowers.
The soil amendments such as aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss and earthworm castings really seemed to give tomato plants the boost they needed. This resulted in a much more abundant crop compared to unfed plants.
We like that the measurements listed on this fertilizer are teaspoon per gallon of water, making it easy for anyone to use.
Besides, it's formulated with a low pH, giving tomato plants the perfect environment for seed germination and root development.
| Fox Farm Fertilizer FFGB32OZ-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 32 Ounces |
Fertilizer Analysis | 6-4-4 |
Highlight Features | aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss and earthworm castings Twin Canaries Chart |
We are confident to recommend the Fox Farm Fertilizer FFGB32OZ-1 to anyone looking for a quality fertilizer that will produce a more abundant crop. It is a great value for the price and well worth the investment.
Best For Container And Hydroponics: Botanicare HGC732110
- Able to correct deficiencies in traditional hydroponic fertilizers – contain calcium, magnesium and iron
- Help crops mature faster – ability to boost cell division and plant tissue development
- It requires mixing
The Botanicare HGC732110 has been a real game changer for many tomato gardeners!
As a special calcium, magnesium and iron plant supplement, this product is designed to correct deficiencies in some commercial and hydroponic fertilizers.
It's also shown to help flower and fruit sets not to be dried and withered, as well as prevent common problems like upward leaf curl, stunted growth rates, and interveinal chlorosis. It even makes them produce more flowers and fruits.
By speeding up the cell division and plant tissue development, the product helps crops mature faster.
| Botanicare HGC732110 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 0.5 Pounds (1 Quart) |
Fertilizer Analysis | 2-0-0 NPK |
Highlight Features | contain calcium, magnesium and iron |
The Botanicare HGC732110 is specially designed for container and hydroponic systems, so it's a great option for anyone looking for a reliable fertilizer. Highly recommended!
Best For Aerogarden: AeroGarden 970281-0000
- Perfect for aerogarden - a pH buffering system
- Long-lasting – offer 100 feedings
- Cost-efficient
- It’s hard to pour from the bottle
- The top is prone to leak
Containing a pH buffering system, the AeroGarden 970281-0000 is great for hydroponic applications and perfect for aerogardens. This fertilizer helps speed up the release of critical micronutrients and hence helps plants absorb rapidly.
Each 1-liter bottle offers 100 feedings. And for aerogardens, you need 4ml of the solution every two weeks for 3-pod models or 8 ml for 6 and 7-pod models. This is really easy to do and only takes a few seconds, especially if you use its dispenser.
The price is reasonable, which is an added bonus.
| AeroGarden 970281-0000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 1 Liter (2.6 Pounds) |
Fertilizer Analysis | 4-3-6 |
Highlight Features | a pH buffering system offer 100 feedings |
We are very impressed with the AeroGarden 970281-0000 and would highly recommend it to anyone with an aerogarden.
Best For Cherry Tomatoes: Bloom City 2-0-0 Professional-Grade Ultra-Pure Fertilizer
- Best for cherry tomatoes – rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and micro-nutrients
- Optimize nutrient uptake – bio-activated formula
- Difficult to store
The Bloom City 2-0-0 Fertilizer provides a bountiful nitrogen content, along with calcium, magnesium, and a wide range of micronutrients, which is perfect for cherry tomatoes to thrive.
You'll see that your plants' leaves are greener and glossier, while the fruits are bigger and juicier than ever before. Besides, the plants are more resilient and able to withstand changes in the weather.
The price is very reasonable when you purchase it online.
| Bloom City 2-0-0 Professional-Grade Ultra-Pure Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 32 Ounces (0.94 Liters) |
Fertilizer Analysis | 2-0-0 |
Highlight Features | rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and micro-nutrients bio-activated formula |
For those growing cherry tomatoes, our favorite pick is the Bloom City 2-0-0 Professional-Grade Ultra-Pure Fertilizer. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Best For Root Growth: Neptune's Harvest 2-4-2 Tomato & Veg Fertilizer
- Promote root growth – the 2-4-2 NPK ratio
- No harm to the surrounding environment – 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Prone to overfeeding
Made from natural ingredients like fresh fish, seaweed, molasses, yucca extract and humic acids, this fertilizer is specifically designed to promote root growth for plants in their “vegging” stages.
Lots of customers found a dramatic improvement in the size and yield of their tomato plants after just a few weeks.
In addition to being an ideal fertilizer for root growth, we also love that Neptune’s Harvest is organic and safe for the environment. It doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals or additives that could harm the soil.
Plus, it’s easy to apply and can be used once or twice a month for optimal results.
| Neptune's Harvest 2-4-2 Tomato & Veg Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 45 Pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 2-4-2 |
Highlight Features | the 2-4-2 NPK ratio 100% natural and organic ingredients |
Easy to use, eco-friendly, and boosting roots to grow bigger and healthier, the Neptune's Harvest 2-4-2 Tomato & Veg Fertilizer is perfect for those gardeners looking to promote root growth in their tomato plants.
Best For Flavorful Tomatoes: Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer
- Boost the flavor of tomatoes – the NPK rating of 5-1-1
- Safe to pets and kids - a toxin-free formula
- Easy to use – clear instructions
- It has strong odors
After trying out the Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer, we can confidently say that this product is worth the money.
Not only does the fertilizer offer greater yields of flavorful tomatoes, but it also helps the plants have a stronger and healthier root system.
We love the fact that it’s 100% natural and organic, and the nutrients in the fertilizer are balanced specifically to give your tomatoes the best flavor.
The fertilizer uses a toxin-free formula, which means it’s 100% safe to pets and kids
The directions on the bottle are easy to follow, and it’s simple to apply.
| Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 32 Fluid Ounces (2 Pounds) |
Fertilizer Analysis | 5-1-1 |
Highlight Features | the NPK rating of 5-1-1 a toxin-free formula |
If you wish your tomatoes to ripen faster and have more flavorful taste, try the Elm Dirt 5-1-1 Plant Juice Organic Fertilizer.
How To Choose The Best Liquid Fertilizer For Tomatoes?
When it comes to selecting a liquid fertilizer for tomatoes, the two main factors to consider are:
- NPK ratio
- Quality of ingredients
NPK Ratio
The NPK ratio refers to the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium balance and should be tailored to the tomato’s particular needs.
For example, a high-phosphorus fertilizer indicated by a larger middle number is best for flowering tomato plants.
You can also find fertilizers formulated specifically for tomatoes, usually with ratios like 3-4-6 or 4-7-10.
Quality Of Ingredients
When it comes to the quality of ingredients, you want to look for a fertilizer that is highly soluble in water and contains natural ingredients like seaweed extract or kelp meal.
These ingredients help to promote healthy and robust plant growth and yield tasty tomatoes.
Additionally, you want to make sure that any fertilizer you use is free from synthetic additives, artificial colors, and fragrances.
Type Of Tomato Garden
There are three common types when it comes to tomato gardens:
- Containers
- Aerogarden
- Hydroponics
- Raised beds
Each garden type requires a specific kind of liquid fertilizers.
For container gardens, liquid kelp, seaweed, or fish-based fertilizers are an excellent choice as they provide the necessary nutrients for optimal plant growth. When using any natural liquid fertilizer, it’s important to follow label instructions for mixing rates and application instructions.
For Aerogardens, the number of pods will determine how much fertilizer you need – for instance, four-pod AeroGardens require 4 ml of nutrients every two weeks, while six and seven-pod AeroGardens require 8 ml of nutrients every two weeks.
For hydroponics, nitrate nitrogen (NO3) is required, so it's important to use a general commercial plant fertilizer that contains both ammonium and urea nitrogen in order to ensure proper growth.
In the case of raised beds, you should choose fertilizer based on the growth phase. At the beginning, go for a high-nitrogen fertilizer then switch to ones with higher ratio of potassium and phosphorus on fruiting phase.
Which Brands Make The Best Liquid Fertilizer For Tomatoes?
Fox Farm Fertilizer
Fox Farm Fertilizer is a great brand for gardening and farming products. They are beloved for excellent customer service and reliable formulated fertilizer lines.
Botanicare
Fertilizer lines from Botanicare are renowned for quick assimilation, balance in nutrients, and ease of use. They help push crops to their harvest limits, and are also designed to be as natural as possible and free from contaminants.
Bloom City
Bloom City's fertilizer products are claimed to help plants bloom more and larger, meaning you get the most for your money. Plus, if you have any questions or need help, their FAQ page and customer service are very helpful.
Neptune's Harvest
Neptune’s Harvest is a great brand to shop for high-quality fertilizers for your plants. Their products are made with fresh and organic ingredients, which is safe to use around plants.
FAQs
Is liquid fertilizer good for tomatoes?
Yes, liquid fertilizer is a good choice for tomatoes. It is immediately taken up by the plant, delivering nutrients right away and making it an ideal starter fertilizer for new plants.
How often should I use liquid fertilizer for my tomato plants?
You should use liquid fertilizer for your tomato plants every couple of weeks once the plants begin to set fruit, until the end of the harvest period.
What time of day should I fertilize my tomato plants?
The best time of day to fertilize tomato plants is in the evening when the sun is waning, after watering or a rain. Avoid fertilizing tomato plants during the mid-day heat and sun.
Should you fertilize tomatoes in hot weather?
In hot weather, it is best to opt for a granular organic fertilizer and apply it only at two stages of growth: soon after planting and just before fruiting.
Should I water after applying liquid fertilizer?
Yes, you should water your plants after applying liquid fertilizer. Watering helps the fertilizer to reach the roots of the plants where it can be absorbed and used to promote growth.
Conclusion
Tomatoes are some of the most rewarding plants to grow and they require plenty of care and attention to produce a healthy, abundant crop.
However, one of the most important aspects of tomato care is choosing the right liquid fertilizer because it helps provide your plants with essential nutrients and minerals to support vigorous growth.
We hope this comprehensive review and buying guide can help you find the best liquid fertilizer for tomatoes that meets your specific needs and budget.
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
