Prepare the fertilizer now!

Every gardener dreams of a rich, flavorful harvest. If you grow vegetables in a greenhouse, you know the joy of picking fresh, delicious produce. And yes—it’s absolutely achievable, with a little help! Alongside optimal temperature, humidity, and light, the right fertilizers play a key role. After all, vegetables need balanced nutrition just like we do.

A lack of vitamins and minerals can slow down plant growth and development. However, an excess of nutrients can also be harmful, potentially causing dehydration. That’s why it’s important to find the right balance. So, which fertilizers work best for greenhouse-grown tomatoes—one of Lithuania’s favorite crops?

The first step to a bountiful harvest is proper fertilization before planting

Before planting tomatoes, mineral fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen will perfectly prepare the soil. Simply spread the fertilizer on the surface of the soil and dig it in. This simple action will improve the structure of the soil, making it fluffier and more permeable to air. And this, in turn, will help the tomato roots to establish and grow more easily.

Tomato fertilizer classification

Fertilizers for tomatoes in the greenhouse can be divided into several groups:

• NPK industrial complexes

A convenient and economical way to provide plants with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Products like Azofoska and Nitrophoska are great choices.

• Nitrogen fertilizers

Necessary when tomatoes take root, green mass grows and fruits ripen. Nitrogen is the basis of growth!

• Phosphate and potash fertilizers

These elements are directly responsible for fruit development, rich color and excellent taste.

• Probiotic fertilizers

Natural fertilizers made from lake silt improve soil structure and fertility.

• Microelements

Although needed in small amounts, they play an important role in plant health and yield.

More details about NPK industrial complexes

Azofoska is a versatile choice, suitable for any type of soil. Perfect for a variety of vegetables, fruit trees, shrubs and even potted flowers. "Nitroammofoska", a variety of Azofoska, is excellent for seedlings. It strengthens the root system and promotes the growth of the green part of the plant.

"Nitrophoska" also has a positive effect on the soil, improving its quality. In addition, it promotes the growth of rich green mass and the formation of large fruits.

Are you looking for something else? Kemira-Universal-2 and chlorine-free fertilized Universal are also excellent. In addition to the main elements, they contain trace elements necessary at various stages of tomato development.

Nitrogen fertilizers

Tomatoes need nitrogen before they develop deep roots, green mass and fruit. The amount of nitrogen determines the future yield. However, its excess will weaken plant immunity. Therefore, it is better to use nitrogen fertilizers before or 2 weeks before planting.

The disadvantage of nitrogen fertilizers is the volatility of the substance, so the shelf life of these fertilizers is short. Industrial nitrogen fertilizers are also called urea or ammonium nitrate.

Phosphate and potassium fertilizers - a duo for a perfect harvest!

Phosphate and potash fertilizers are always used together. Thanks to these elements, tomato fruits develop well, have a rich color and taste. This fertilizer can be started from the bud and ovary of the first tomatoes. It is recommended to fertilize in autumn, so that a sufficient amount accumulates in the soil. Among potassium fertilizers, potassium salt or potassium chloride is popular.

Micronutrients, when less is more

Micronutrients are pre-introduced into the soil. Such fertilizers are not used during the planting period.

Micronutrients used:

• potassium sulfate... Due to its deficiency, the quality of fruit storage is poor.
• boric acid... Boron deficiency affects the amount of crops, as the brushes fall apart.
• manganese, magnesium, zinc... All elements improve plant immunity, affect fruit formation.

Folk methods ensure a rich harvest

Let's not forget proven folk remedies!

Humus and manure are garden classics. Humus is introduced as a preparatory stage for planting future plants. The amount of humus is calculated according to the proportion of 5-6 kg per 1 square meter. Then the soil must be well dug.

In the greenhouse, horse manure is used for tomatoes, diluted with water in proportion - 1 bucket of manure contains 10 buckets of water. You can also use chicken droppings. Horse manure is added 3 weeks after planting the planting material in the greenhouse.

Also eggshells, a weak solution of manganese and a small amount of ash. Ash should be used in the amount of 100 g per well. Eggshells are added crushed into small crumbs. Manganese is used to treat soil bacteria and fungi.

Probiotic fertilizer - what is it?

Probiotic fertilizers are fertilizers based on a certain type of organic compost - sapropel. They are extracted not by composting organic waste in a compost bin, but by digging sludge from the bottom of lakes. In other words, this compost is a stratified and well-rotted layer of branches, leaves, reeds, even fish and microorganisms over thousands of years.

Probiotic fertilizers contain humic acids, vitamins and bacterial complexes. Due to the effect of sapropel, all the elements needed by the plants are given to the plant gradually and not at once.

The most important thing is moderation!

Experienced gardeners disagree about the required amount of plant nutrition. But everyone is of the opinion that the main thing is the correct dosage for fertilization. Watch the plants, respond to their needs and don't over-fertilize, and don't over-water will help ours GRAAS iRigator system. Good luck growing tomatoes and vegetables!