May 23, 2009: Time to Fertilize!
Well it has been 1 month since I last used fertilizer. I had put some Dynamite Mater Magic Tomato Food (5-5-9) in the planting hole when I planted out.
Dynamite Mater Magic Tomato Food (5-5-9)
Dynamite tomato food is Completely Organic and OMRI certified this cute little bottle contains the perfect food for Tomatoes. Contains micronutrients and calcium to prevent Blossom End Rot and feeds up to 3 months. For bigger, juicier tomatoes, with higher yields this natural plant food can’t be beat. This is a granular product, not a liquid.
Contains humus as a soil conditioner which improves Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Improves soils structure for tolerance during heat and drought condition. Mater Magic is derived from Meat Meal, Hydrolyzed Feather Meal, Bone Meal, Blood Meal and Sulfate of Potash 5-5-9 plus 4.5 calcium
Features:
* Use Indoors and Outdoors
* OMRI Listed for the production of organic certified crops
* One easy application lasts up to 3 months
* Excellent blooming and color on ornamentals
* Contains no sludge or manures. Urea nitrogen free
* Builds root mass and stress tolerance
* Enhances disease and water management
* Feeds continuously for up to 3 months
* Environmentally sustainable
* Reduces the need for frequent applications
* Customized for your garden’s soil and sun conditions
Today I used E.B. Stone Organics Tomato & Vegetable Food (4-5-3):
E. B. Stone Tomato & Vegetable Food is formulated from quality natural organic ingredients for use throughout the vegetable garden as well as with soft fruits like strawberries. It will contribute to even plant growth without producing excessive foliage at the expense of fruit. The additional phosphorous helps to ensure the production of high quality fruits and vegetables. The calcium in our Tomato & Vegetable fertilizer aids in preventing disorders like blossom end rot and helps to correct acidic soil conditions.
I am going to alternate feeding the plants with Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fish/Seaweed Blend Fertilizer (2-3-1).
Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fish/Seaweed Blend Fertilizer (2-3-1) gives you the best of both products with a perfect blend of fish hydrolysate and seaweed, ensuring a complete fertilization program. Growers using our fish/seaweed blend fertilizer on a regular basis have reported increased marketableyields and improved shelf life on fruits and vegetables. Fish and Seaweed are known to build the natural sugar in plants. Flowers and foliage will be stronger and more colorful. Blooms will be more plentiful, fragrant and longer lasting.
I will probably use the Neptune’s Harvest in 3 weeks, then EB Stone 3 weeks after that.
Have you used Mater Magic in the past? I am just wondering what your thoughts on it are? In previous years I have relied on compost and an application or two of fish emulsion. But I couldn't resist this cute little bottle. Tell me I didn't waste my money! Also, you have a frequent fertilizing schedule. Mater Magic says it lasts three months yet you are fertilizing three weeks later. Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Christine,
This is my first year gardening so I am by no means any sort of expert. I put the Mater Magic in the planting hole when I planted out. I had heard great things about Dynamite fertilizers.
The second time I fertilized was a month later. I know that Mater Magic says that their fertilizer lasts "up to 3 months" but I have a fast draining garden and we had alot of rain so I sort of felt like it could use more fertilizer so I used EB Stone.
I actually just added some Neptune's Harvest Fish Emulsion today (i know, only 2 weeks later than EB stone) because I read to fertilize when you get fruit set and most of my tomato plants have fruitset now.
Hi Christine, I wanted to add about Mater Magic that it was the only fertilizer I used for the first month and the plants really took off. I had fruitset within 3 weeks of planting out.
That does seem very early for fruit set, I am quite impressed if this is your first garden! I think I will use the Mater Magic at planting time next year. It was difficult working it into the soil with so much tomato growth at this time. I still have no fruit set but plan to add some fish emulsion when there is. That is a good point about fast draining soil. I tend to water too often so I may be washing away those precious nutrients.
I used this product for the first time this spring and yes it did do great for both the toms as wells as the pepper plants growth wise, but the horrid smell attracted a brown fly that just eventually killed every last plant. I have never seen this fly before and it only affected the plants that were fertilized by the mater magic. all other veggies were untouched. Because I threw away my receipt home depot would not credit me for the two containers I purchased. I can't say I will give a high rating due to what happened to my plants, but it seems to work well for you. It might be this little pest living in my neck of the woods and it just loved the stuff i put in my plants. boo-hoo, happy gardening from South texas