Tomatoes need phosphorous- tips?

15 years ago

I did not put as much effort into my soil this spring as I wanted to. I basically just ripped up the turf and stuck in the seedlings I grew. They have been outside for about 2weeks and I am noticing phosphorous deficiencies- purples underleaf/veins. So I'm wondering what I should do about it now.

I meant to put the lime and fertilizer in the soil prior to planting, but I was busy. So I just sprinkled the lime over the soil as well as some 10-10-10 granules. about 3 days ago. Should I wait and see if the problem get's better or should I take further action?

I am thnking these are my options

-buy some bone meal and sprinkle it around the root base

- I have some 10-20-20 granular fertilizer

or water them with miracle grow liquid

Can I dissolve the granular fertilizer in water for quicker release? Thanks! I know there is a lot I SHOULD have done, but my job got in the way :) Thanks

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Comments (3)

trudi_d
15 years ago
Bone Meal is a good choice, but instead of just sprinkling it around the base of the plant you need to actually work it into the soil. A good hand cultivator should work well for that.

T
NCbackyardgardener
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi T,
Thanks for the response. Should I just mix it in around the plant, I don't want to disturb the roots. They are just babies though so the roots probably haven't expanded too much. I am also thinking that the weather has been a little cool (at night) and I know P isnt as available below 55 degrees. The hot weather will be here soon enough! Thanks
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taz6122
15 years ago
I wouldn't worry about it. It's not that the soil doesn't have enough but that the plant isn't taking enough in with the cooler temps. It will go away once temps warm up. This has happened to mine for the last 3 years and maybe longer, just that maybe I never paid that much attention.
If you add, it probably won't help but you'd think it did. Just wait a few days.