Big juicy tomatoes on vine

Homegrown tomatoes are a garden delight, offering flavours that far surpass the bland ones in your local store. But to get those succulent fruits, you've got to feed them correctly.

The best time to pamper these plants is after they've rooted well—about two to three weeks after planting outdoors, around early to mid-May, reports the Express.

Laura Azcarraga, an RHS-certified horticulturist and founder of Meadowlark Journal, swears by a homemade fertilizer recipe for "bigger and juicier yields". She insists: "While there's a vast market of commercial products out there, nothing quite matches the sustainability and purity of a homemade tomato fertilizer."

The gardening expert further notes: "Not only is this method environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but it also provides a direct connection between the grower and the grown, ensuring that what goes into the soil is natural, organic, and free from harmful chemicals."

Close-up of tomatoes growing on plant

This potent concoction requires:

One tablespoon of Epsom salt
Four to five eggshells
Two tablespoons of bone meal
One tablespoon of baking soda
One gallon of water

Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur, which are crucial for photosynthesis in tomato plants. Eggshells deliver calcium, pivotal for cell development and keeping blossom end rot at bay—a pesky tomato problem.

The bone meal's not just for show—it's bursting with calcium and phosphorus, perfect as the tomatoes start setting fruit. And baking soda?

To give your tomato plants that extra kick, you just need to wash your eggshells to remove any remaining egg and let them dry completely.

After they're totally dry, smash the shells into a powdery form. Pop them in a clean plastic bag and pound them with a rolling pin for coarser pieces or use a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder for a super fine consistency.

epsom salt in a hand with gloves

Mix up the crushed eggshell powder with Epsom salt, bone meal, and baking soda in a container. Then, gradually pour water into the mixture, stirring constantly to make sure everything dissolves well.

Laura shared: "This step dilutes the mixture to a safe concentration for the plants."

When it's time to water your tomatoes, pour this special mix right at the base of the plant, taking care not to get it on the leaves. Splash this homemade fertilizer on every four to six weeks during their growth spurt.

Tomato plants are being watered

If there's any mix leftover, seal it up in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry spot for next time.

Laura pointed out that even though this homespun fertilizer is chock-full of nutrients needed for beefy tomato growth, keeping tabs on your soil and checking what extra nutrients your plants might need is key.

She emphasized: "This DIY fertilizer provides a balanced mix of nutrients, but it's important to observe your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiency or excess and adjust your fertilization practices accordingly."

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