What fertilizers do tomatoes need in August?
In August, potassium and phosphorus are especially important for tomatoes. A lack of these nutrients can weaken the plants, cause the fruits to grow smaller, and some of them to start cracking right on the bush.
Read more Klaipėda Festival Discussion: How Did Rachius’ Son Become the Richest Composer in Europe?
Gardeners note that in the last month of summer, tomato bushes bear a heavy load – the plant simultaneously grows fruits, ripens already set tomatoes, and continues to form new ones. Therefore, the need for nutrients increases at this time.
If plants are not fertilized on time, they may start to lose strength, which negatively affects the yield. Properly selected fertilizers for tomatoes can help the plant maintain strength and produce more fruits.
Why do tomatoes crack?
Equally important is consistent soil moisture. In summer, the soil around the tomato roots should not dry out completely. However, it should not be constantly waterlogged either.
The biggest problem arises when the soil alternates between completely drying out and then being heavily watered again. Such moisture fluctuations cause stress to the plant.
When tomatoes suddenly receive a lot of water after a longer drought, the fruits can start to grow rapidly, but their skin does not have time to adjust, and the tomatoes crack. Therefore, in August, it is better to water tomatoes regularly in small amounts, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and avoid sudden very heavy watering.
Simple potassium fertilizer solution
As one of the natural sources of potassium, gardeners mention wood ash. For a simple solution, you can use:
Read more Vilnius prison employee came to work intoxicated
- 1 glass of wood ash;
- 10 liters of water.
The ash should be well stirred in water, and the solution poured under the tomato bushes – about 1 liter per plant. The solution does not need to be stored for long – it can be used immediately after preparation, but it is best to pour it into already moistened soil.
If the solution can be left for a day or two, it will mix even better with the water.
Important: ash solution is not a complete tomato fertilizer, so it should not replace all fertilizing for the entire season. Also, ash alkalizes the soil, so it should be used sparingly, especially if the soil is not acidic to begin with.
The most important in August
To ensure tomatoes continue to yield abundantly and fruits crack less, the most important thing is to ensure even watering, sufficient nutrient supply, and avoid sudden moisture changes.
Regular care during this period can help preserve more healthy and beautiful tomatoes until the end of the season.
Read more An electric bike caught fire in Kaunas district: the fire also damaged the stadium running track
