Properly fertilize, water and mulch tomatoes

When and how often should you water tomatoes? Why is it worth mulching tomatoes? We reveal everything to do with mulching and watering the red fruits.

In summer you can watch your own tomatoes grow: they begin to bloom and then bear the first small, green fruits. Now the time begins when you have to pay particular attention to the water balance of the delicious fruits. The tomato places high demands on the availability of nutrients and water, which are not always easy to meet in midsummer. There are a few things to consider when watering and mulching. In this article we have therefore put together tips for you to get the thirsty plants through the summer well.

When and how often do you water tomatoes?

The plants should be supplied with water regularly, preferably in the morning rather than in the evening. In general, like other heat-loving plants, tomatoes prefer tempered to lukewarm (rain) water than cold tap water that is too hard. During the day, the plants dry off well and are better protected from fungal diseases. In midsummer you have to water several times, especially with potted plants, because the soil dries out particularly quickly here. In the greenhouse, the moisture in the soil remains much longer; here you can only water vigorously every two days. It is very important never to water the plants completely, the leaves should not be wetted with the irrigation water. Instead, you give a generous gush to the trunk just above the ground. Wet leaves - and moisture in general - make it easier for all kinds of diseases to spread. Pests that live in the ground are also distributed directly onto the plant using the "overhead" method when watering with the spray water.

Even if many hobby gardeners may not believe it, watering adapted to tomatoes really pays off. Our tips summarized again:

• Water in the morning so that the plants dry out during the day.
• Water regularly with tempered rainwater.
• Never pour tomatoes over, just water the bottom of the stem.

tip: With proper watering, you can environmental and physiological Tomato damage prevent. You can find out more about this in our special article.

Mulching tomatoes

Mulch is generally a material used to superficially cover exposed soil.

One distinguishes between:

• Artificial mulching materials such as plastic or gravel
• Organic materials such as parts of plants, compost or tree bark

Here we only want to dedicate ourselves to organic mulches, as they are sustainable and have particularly positive properties on the soil.

Why should tomatoes be mulched?

Mulch made from plant material such as straw, lawn clippings or the like inhibits weed growth and keeps moisture in the soil. Soil organisms gradually decompose the plant residues, releasing nutrients that tomatoes like to feed on. Tomatoes with mulch grow better, are often healthier and the soil below is less stressed. The thirsty tomatoes do not have to be watered as often as the mulch prevents evaporation even on hot summer days. Mulch actively improves the soil structure and protects the soil from compaction and erosion by wind and rain.

The right time to mulch tomatoes

Basically, mulching is worthwhile throughout the season; the first mulching specifically for tomatoes is best done in March or April. When the soil has warmed up a little, the mulch cover also stores the heat and prepares the soil for the tomato roots, which are sensitive to the cold. In addition, it rains more often in spring and part of the mulch can already be processed into humus in the soil. Nutrients are then immediately available for the tomato plants that follow in May. As soon as the tomatoes are transplanted, a little plant material is regularly added to the mulch cover so that the soil is always thinly covered.

How and with what do you mulch tomatoes?

Depending on the plant material, the soil is covered with a layer two to five centimeters thick. The more delicate the plants, the finer the material should be. A little space should be left around the stem of the tomato. Mulch that is piled up too thick could rot and make the plants sick. Compost that has not yet completely rotted can be spread around the plant. This is worked into the soil, which not only improves the supply of nutrients, but also loosens the soil itself. In addition, some dung and horn shavings from organic farming can also be incorporated.

Even Nettles, which are mostly weed anyway, are ideal for Mulching. You can spread them as whole plants on the topsoil, or you can chop them up, then they are digested more quickly by the soil organisms. As these are gradually broken down, nitrogen is released for the tomato plant to grow. You should avoid sour-looking bark mulch with tomatoes.

The mulch layer influences tomato growth in three ways. On the one hand, less water evaporates, which means that the soil remains balanced and moist. Because drought stress leads to a lower harvest. The mulch also stores heat during the day and releases it over the night. Last but not least, mulch supports the even, natural supply of nutrients that combine with a mainly organic long-term organic fertilizer for a rich harvest of colorful fruits cares.

Fertilize tomatoes as they grow

Balanced fertilization is also important when cultivating tomatoes. Because if you fertilize too little, the yield suffers. If you overdo it, the plants become more susceptible to disease and develop tasteless fruits. This is why a primarily organic long-term fertilizer such as our Plantura is ideal for tomatoes Organic tomato fertilizer that regularly releases balanced amounts of nutrients. If you grow tomatoes in pots, you can also use an organic liquid fertilizer like ours every one to two weeks Plantura organic tomato & vegetable fertilizer Administer via the irrigation water. So you can take preventive action against deficiency symptoms, such as the yellowing of the lower leaves due to a lack of nitrogen. If there is already a lack of nutrients, the organic liquid fertilizer works particularly quickly and nourishes the plant again.

More on how to do your Fertilize tomatoes properly, you can find out in our special article.