Does Growing Tomatoes With Fertilizer Help the Growth of Tomato Plants?

The right fertilizer at the right time helps tomato plants bear fruit.

Tomatoes are vining plants that thrive in the warm sunshine and temperatures of summertime gardens. Although these plants will grow on their own, they do better with the right fertilizer, water and location.

Location

All tomatoes require the right location, first and foremost. Tomatoes do best in areas where they get full sunshine for at least eight hours a day, as they will not bear flowers or fruit in shade.

Soil

Tomatoes enjoy rich, acidic organic compost in their soil and should get starter fertilizer at planting to help boost their initial growth.

Maintenance

Tomatoes require ongoing feedings to grow to full, healthy maturity. With monthly fertilization, tomatoes will increase their foliage and produce bright blooms. Gardeners should increase their fertilization and watering when tomatoes begin to bloom, to give tomatoes additional resources for growing fruit.

Prospects

No amount of fertilizer will increase a variety's bush or fruit size, though the added nutrition will increase the health of the plant and its fruit harvest.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow: Tomatoes
• University of Missouri Extension: Growing Home Garden Tomatoes