Gardening expert reveals how to get 'bigger and juicier' tomatoes with easy homemade feed

There's nothing quite like the taste of homegrown tomatoes, far superior to the often flavorless ones found in stores. To achieve that perfect flavor , gardeners must provide their tomato plants with the right nutrients . The ideal time to nourish them is about two to three weeks after they've been planted outside , usually around early to mid-May, once they've taken root.

According to Laura Azcarraga, an RHS-certified horticulturist and founder of the Meadowlark Journal, a homemade fertilizer is the way to go for "bigger and juicier yields". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT She swears by a "tried and tested" recipe, stating: "While there's a vast market of commercial products out there, nothing quite matches the sustainability and purity of a homemade tomato fertiliser." This method is not only eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but it also allows the grower to have complete control over what goes into the soil, ensuring it's natural, organic, and chemical-free.



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1 tablespoon of baking soda. 1 gallon of water. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium and sulfur, essential for tomato plants' photosynthesis, while eggshells are packed with calcium, crucial for cellular development and preventing blossom end rot, a common issue with tomatoes.

Bone meal is another good source of calcium and contains phosphorus, vital for fruiting, and baking soda helps prevent disease. By using this homemade fertilizer, you'll be rewarded with delicious, healthy tomatoes that are sure to impress. Boosting your tomato plants' nutrition is a breeze with just some eggshells and a few other household items.

First, make sure to wash the eggshells clean of any egg residue and let them dry out completely. When they're as dry as a bone, pulverize the shells into a powdery dust. You can either put them in a clean plastic bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin or use a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder for an even finer texture.

Grab a container and combine the crushed eggshell powder with Epsom salt, bone meal, and baking soda. Gradually pour water into the blend, stirring constantly to ensure it all dissolves well. Laura advises: "This step dilutes the mixture to a safe concentration for the plants.

" For best results, douse the base of your tomato plants with this homemade feed, being careful not to get any on the foliage. Use this DIY fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growth period. If there's any leftover fertilizer, just seal it in an airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dry spot until you need it again.

Laura emphasizes that while this homebrewed fertilizer contains many key nutrients for strong tomato growth, it's crucial to keep an eye on your soil and figure out what additional nutrients your plants might need. She also notes: "This DIY fertiliser 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 fertilisation practices accordingly.".