On 4 May 2007 02:55:13 -0700, Mike S. wrote:
I think last year my biggest mistakes were not using a good fertilizer
(I used imitation Miracle Gro) and lack of calcium. That and those
pesky hornworms that ate two out of three of my tomato plants (I
really hate those creepy little things).

Hornworms can be hand-picked, so that's a fairly easy fix for that.
I assume your "lack of calcium" showed up as blossom end rot? If so,
the bigger problem is actually uneven watering. A small drip irrigation
system would probably be a better choice (and bigger than 5 gallon containers,
if possible.) Mulch the top surface of the soil with several inches of
clean grass clippings from a lawn that has not been treated with weed
killers -- that will also help even out the water availability to the
plants.

As to fertilizer... you need to read the numbers on the label, not the
name of the maker. The order of numbers is N-P-K -- a higher first number
in relationship to the others promotes vegetative growth, at the expense
of root and flower (and fruit) development. Generally something with
ratios of about 1:2:2 or 1:2:4 or 1:4:2 or 1:4:4 is suitable for tomatoes.
Follow the package instructions as to amounts. However, my own preference
when using highly soluble fertilizers like Peters' or Miracle Grow, is to
use 1/4 the advised "monthly amount" weekly, properly diluted in water.
If you start seeing salt crusts on the soil or leaf tip burning, you're
using too much too often. Back off on the fertilizer and leach the soil
with extra water -- multiple gallons running out the bottom of the pot.
You might also choose a long-release fertilizer
like Osmocote, mix it in with the soil, and be mostly done with it.

Or you can use various organic fertilizers -- just know that the ratio
is the important part.

Watch the soil pH, too.