Feeding Tomato Seedlings

Should Seedlings be Fed?
It is at this time of the season, when many of my tomato seedlings are between three and six weeks old, that I am tempted to give them a feed.

When transplanting from seed compost (at around three weeks) to multi-purpose compost the seedlings will be going into their new home which already contains food.

However, because their roots have been disturbed and will take a few days to re-establish themselves, a foliar feed (spraying the leaves) with organic liquid seaweed is very helpful.

Tomato plants, like humans, can suffer from stress when they are transplanted – a bit like humans when moving house! – and a feed with Organic Liquid Seaweed helps them get over the shock.

It can be used throughout the life of a tomato plant and helps keeps plants in top condition to help fight against diseases and lowered resistance through bug attack.

At this time of the season, when temperatures are low, tomato plant roots have trouble absorbing nitrogen and other minerals that they need to grow, so foliar feeding through the leaves is a good idea – it is also the quickest way to get food into a tomato plant.

Just be aware not to be over-generous because giving them too much (more than the manufacturer’s recommended amount) can damage their tender leaves and roots.

Tomato food is not given until plants reach the flowering or fruiting stage – around three months, depending on the variety, from sowing.