Too much nitrogen for tomato plants may result in
vigorous plant growth without much fruit. Plants
should be side-dressed with nitrogen three times
during the growing season.
The first application should be applied one to two
weeks prior to fruit ripening. Two weeks after
ripening, it’s time for the second application.
The third round of fertilizer should be applied one month after
the second. Basically, there should be one month of time between each application.
Common sources of nitrogen-only fertilizers include nitrate of soda, urea and
ammonium sulfate. Blood meal contains primarily nitrogen but has other elements as
well.
Apply one of the following fertilizers at the rate provided:
• Nitrate of soda (16-0-0): 2/3-pound (1.5 cups) fertilizer per 30 feet of row
• Blood meal (12-1.5-.6): 14 ounces (1.75 cups) fertilizer per 30 feet of row
• Urea (46-0-0): 4 ounces (1/2 cup) fertilizer per 30 feet of row
• Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0): 0.5 pounds (1 cup) fertilizer per 30 feet of row
Alternatively, lawn fertilizer, free of weed killer/preventer, can be used at a rate of 1/3
pound (3/4 cup) fertilizer per 30 feet of row. Choose a fertilizer that is about 30%
nitrogen (the first number in the set of three).
