application advice for Tomato Tone

13 years ago

I'm a bit confused here as to the best method to apply Tomato Tone. I will be planting 2-3 tomato plants per raised bed (which is filled with a healthy compost-soil mix, as evidenced by the huge population of earthworms) and single tomato plants in GeoPots (filled with nothing but ProMix BX).

Since I didn't plan in advance, I will be applying the Tomato Tone when I plant tomorrow. Should I follow the Instruction #2 for "single plants" below for both the raised beds and the GeoPots? If so, is it as simple as making a hole in the soil, sprinkling in 3 tablespoons into the hole, inserting the plant and then covering the hole?

Would I follow the same procedure for eggplant and peppers. Do I even bother doing it for herbs?

Here are the instructions:

1. When preparing tomato bed apply 3 lbs. (9 cups) of Tomato-tone per 50 sq. ft. and work into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.

2. For single plants mix 3 tablespoons of Tomato-tone into the soil when planting.

3. For Potted Plants mix one part Tomato-tone to 30 parts soil mixture ( 1.25 cups of Tomato-tone for every 8 qt. of soil).

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Comments (2)

digdirt2
13 years ago
There are many good "hole prep" discussions over on the Tomato forum.

When doing hole prep rather than whole bed prep (the best method) then you have to start with a much bigger hole for each plant. 3x wider and at least 2x deeper than normal and you mix the 3T of fertilizer in well throughout the entire hole area as the instructions indicate. Then put in the plant.

You do NOT want all the fertilizer concentrated in one area. You want it where the roots will find it as they grow and expand.

Peppers and herbs have very different nutrient requirements from tomatoes. So with that particular fertilizer - Eggplant yes, peppers use only 1/2 as much, herbs none.

Dave
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you, I will follow your advice about spreading out the fertilizer and the amounts for the eggplant and peppers.

For next season, how soon in advance do you recommend I add the fertilizer and mix into the soil?

My raised beds for tomatoes are only 2x4, or 8 sq ft, so I would use about 1/6th of the 9 cups for 50 sq ft. Basically 1.5 cups per bed, sprinked uniformly on top and then worked in with a hoe or hand raked in to a depth of about 4 inches. Does that sound about right?

For the containers I'm assuming it should be mixed in a wheelbarrow prior to filling the containers. 30 parts of gowing mix to 1 part of fertilizer.
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