Tomato seedlings need proper nutrients to grow into healthy, strong plants, and at Rusty Top Farm, we use homemade organic fertilizers to give them the best possible start. One of our go-to fertilizers is Jadam Liquid Fertilizer (JLF), which is made from plant material specific to the crop being grown. JLF is a nutrient-dense liquid fertilizer that is high in micronutrients essential for healthy plant growth. At Rusty Top Farm, we make our own tomato plant-specific JLF, using old tomato plants to create a fertilizer that is perfectly suited for our tomato seedlings.
To make our tomato plant-specific JLF, we collect old tomato plants at the end of the growing season and chop them up into small pieces. We add the tomato plant material to a bucket, filling it about 1/3 of the way, and then fill the bucket with water. The mixture is covered with a lid and left to ferment for at least two weeks, stirring it occasionally. After two weeks, we strain the mixture through a cloth to remove any solids, and what's left is the JLF. The result is a rich, nutrient-dense liquid fertilizer that is perfectly suited for our tomato seedlings.
In addition to our plant-specific JLF, we also use Water Soluble Calcium (WSC) to provide our tomato seedlings with the necessary calcium they need to thrive. Calcium is a vital nutrient for plant growth and development, and it plays an essential role in the formation of strong cell walls, root development, and nutrient uptake. To make our WSC, we crush up eggshells and add them to a jar. We pour vinegar over the eggshells until they're completely covered and let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours. The vinegar breaks down the calcium in the eggshells, creating a water-soluble form that's easily absorbed by plants.
At Rusty Top Farm, we believe in the importance of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, and we're committed to using organic, plant-specific fertilizers to nourish our crops. By using homemade JLF and WSC, we're able to provide our tomato seedlings with the nutrients they need to grow into healthy, strong plants, all while minimizing our impact on the environment.
To apply our Jadam Liquid Fertilizer (JLF) and Water Soluble Calcium (WSC) to our tomato seedlings, we mix 1 tablespoon of each fertilizer into 1 gallon of water in a pump sprayer. We then apply the mixture as a soil drench, making sure to thoroughly saturate the soil around the base of each seedling.
For our tomato plant-specific JLF, we typically apply the fertilizer once a week, starting when the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall. We continue to use the fertilizer throughout the growing season, adjusting the application rate as the plants mature. For our Water Soluble Calcium (WSC), we usually apply it every two weeks, again adjusting the application rate as the plants grow.
It's important to note that while our application rates work well for us at Rusty Top Farm, every growing situation is unique, and it's important to monitor your tomato seedlings for any signs of over- or under-fertilization. Over-fertilization can lead to burnt roots or stunted growth, while under-fertilization can result in nutrient deficiencies and poor plant growth.
By using plant-specific JLF and WSC fertilizers, we're able to give our tomato seedlings the exact nutrients they need to grow into healthy, productive plants. These fertilizers are easy to make at home, and they're a great way to minimize your environmental impact while nourishing your garden. Try making your own JLF and WSC fertilizers for your tomato seedlings this year, and see the difference they can make!
If you're interested in trying out our homemade Tomato JLF and WSC fertilizers but don't have the time or resources to make them yourself, we also sell 6 oz bottles of our fertilizers at Rusty Top Farm for $10 each. These convenient bottles make it easy to nourish your tomato seedlings with the exact nutrients they need for healthy growth. Our fertilizers are made with organic, plant-specific ingredients and are perfect for those who are passionate about sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Visit our farm or website to purchase your own bottle of Rusty Top Farm's Tomato JLF and WSC fertilizers today!
We hope you found this post helpful in learning how to make your own plant-specific JLF and WSC fertilizers for your tomato seedlings. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, we'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below and let us know about your experiences with homemade fertilizers or any tips you have for growing healthy, productive tomato plants. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Growing!
Farmer John
Help Us Grow!
At Rusty Top Farms, we're dedicated to supporting our veterans and helping them experience the healing power of gardening. We're currently raising funds to build garden crates for veterans who may not have access to a garden or who may need extra support to get started.
Each garden crate costs us $300 to build, and we rely on donations from our community to make this project possible.
If you'd like to support our mission and help us build garden crates for veterans, please consider making a donation through our fiscal sponsor at https://www.rustytopfarm.com/donate .
Every donation counts and makes a difference in the lives of our veterans.
Thank you for your support and let's continue to work together to support our veterans and build a more resilient community!