Maximizing greenhouse tomato yields with homemade fertilisers
Fertilising tomatoes in greenhouses is crucial for abundant yields. Learn which nutrients are essential and how to prepare homemade fertilisers that ensure healthy plant growth.
Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens and greenhouses. Their juicy taste and versatility in the kitchen make them an essential ingredient in many dishes. To achieve healthy and plentiful yields, proper fertilisation is necessary. Choosing the right fertiliser and applying it regularly is key to success. So, what should you use to fertilise tomatoes in a greenhouse?
Why is it worth growing tomatoes in a greenhouse?
Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse is an excellent way to provide plants with optimal conditions for growth all year round. The greenhouse protects tomatoes from adverse weather conditions such as rain and wind, which helps maintain a stable temperature and humidity. As a result, tomatoes can thrive and produce an abundance of fruit. It's important to provide the plants with adequate light, so the greenhouse should be well-lit.
What should you fertilise tomatoes with in a greenhouse?
Gelatin fertiliser. Gelatin is an excellent fertiliser for tomatoes, especially during early growth stages. Its high nitrogen and amino acid content supports the development of young plants. To prepare the fertiliser, simply dissolve a tablespoon of gelatin in approximately 240 ml of hot water, then add cold water to make about a litre. This solution can be used to water tomato seedlings every two weeks.
Yeast fertiliser. Yeast is a natural way to strengthen tomatoes. It contains B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which support plant development. To prepare the fertiliser, you can use block or granulated yeast. For block yeast, mix about 100 grams with approximately 11 litres of warm water. Let the mixture stand for about 2 hours; it does not require dilution.
Fertiliser from ash, onion peels, and nettles. This homemade fertiliser is simple to prepare and effective. Fill a 10-litre pot with water, add about 500 grams of fireplace ash, a handful of onion peels, and several nettle clumps. Boil the entire mixture for 15 minutes and leave it overnight. Strain the mixture the next day and use it to water the tomatoes.
Bread-based fertiliser. Bread fertiliser is another natural solution. To prepare it, take half a loaf of bread, about a teaspoon of iodine solution, and approximately 5 litres of warm water. Soak the bread for 7 hours, add the iodine solution, mix, and filter through cheesecloth. The prepared mixture is used for spraying and fertilising tomatoes.
Ready-made multi-component fertilisers are among the most popular solutions. They are easy to use and contain all necessary nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for proper tomato growth. Regular use of such fertilisers provides plants with the right support at every growth stage.
Manure is a natural fertiliser that provides tomatoes with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It's especially recommended to use before planting tomatoes, as it improves soil structure and increases its fertility. Manure can be used fresh or composted, depending on needs and availability.
Compost is an ecological way to fertilise tomatoes, supplying plants with essential nutrients and improving soil structure. Compost can be made from plant scraps, leaves, and other organic materials. Regular use of compost supports the healthy development of tomatoes and increases their resistance to disease.
Using homemade fertilisers for tomatoes in greenhouses is not only a way to achieve healthy and abundant yields but also a method for saving money and protecting the environment. With simple ingredients that most of us have at home, we can prepare effective nutrients that provide plants with all necessary nutrients.
