NPK Recipe for Tomato Plant Flowering

During the flowering stage of tomato growth, the focus shifts from leafy growth to flower and fruit development. At this stage, tomatoes require less nitrogen (N) and more phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Phosphorus supports root and flower development, while potassium helps with fruit quality, plant strength, and overall stress resistance.

Ideal NPK Ratio for Flowering Growth:

For tomatoes in the flowering stage, a common NPK ratio is 1-3-2 or 4-8-8, which reduces nitrogen and increases phosphorus and potassium to encourage flowering and fruiting.

DIY Organic NPK Mix for Tomato Flowering Growth:

Ingredients:

1. Bone Meal (Phosphorus):

   • NPK ratio: 3-15-0

   • Bone meal provides phosphorus, which helps develop strong roots and promotes flower and fruit formation.

   • Usage: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of bone meal into the soil around each tomato plant.

2. Wood Ash or Kelp Meal (Potassium):

   • Wood Ash NPK ratio: 0-1-3

   • Kelp Meal NPK ratio: 1-0-2

   • Both provide potassium, which is critical for flower development, fruit quality, and overall plant health.

   • Usage: Apply 1 tablespoon per gallon of soil or sprinkle lightly around plants.

3. Fish Bone Meal (Balanced Phosphorus with Nitrogen):

   • NPK ratio: 3-16-0

   • Fish bone meal is high in phosphorus, with a small amount of nitrogen to continue supporting healthy growth without promoting excessive foliage.

   • Usage: Mix 1-2 tablespoons into the soil for slow-release phosphorus.

4. Compost (Balanced Nutrients):

   • NPK ratio: 1-1-1 to 2-1-1

   • Compost provides a balanced mix of nutrients with small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, plus trace minerals.

   • Usage: Top dress around the plant or mix into the soil.

5. Epsom Salt (Magnesium for Flowering):

   • While not part of NPK, magnesium is essential for chlorophyll production and improves fruit quality during the flowering stage.

   • Usage: Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon of water and apply once a month to help with magnesium deficiencies.

6. Banana Peels or Manure Tea (Potassium):

   • Banana peels are rich in potassium and can be used to supplement potassium during flowering.

   • Usage: Bury banana peels near the plant's roots or use diluted manure tea (high in potassium) as a soil drench.

Example Recipe for Flowering Growth:

• 1 part compost (provides balanced nutrients and trace minerals).

• 1-2 tablespoons bone meal or fish bone meal (for phosphorus) per gallon of soil.

• 1 tablespoon kelp meal or wood ash (for potassium) per gallon of soil.

• 1 tablespoon Epsom salt (for magnesium) mixed into water for monthly feeding.

Application:

1. Soil Preparation: Before or during the flowering stage, mix bone meal (or fish bone meal), wood ash/kelp meal, and compost into the soil around the base of each tomato plant.

2. Top Dressing: As the plants continue flowering, add a layer of compost to maintain slow-release nutrients.

3. Liquid Feeding: Apply an Epsom salt solution or compost tea every few weeks to boost nutrient availability during flowering.

4. Monitor Flower Development: Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies (yellowing leaves, poor flowering) and adjust the phosphorus and potassium levels as needed.

Conclusion:

For the flowering stage of tomato growth, the ideal NPK mix emphasizes phosphorus and potassium, which support flower and fruit production, while reducing nitrogen to prevent excessive leafy growth. A DIY organic mix with bone meal, wood ash, kelp meal, and compost can provide the necessary nutrients to maximize flowering and prepare the plant for fruit