What fertilizer should you use when growing tomatoes?

A fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous and potassium is suggested for growing tomato plants. The University of Missouri Extension suggests adding this fertilizer when first preparing the planting bed, which should be worked into the top six inches of soil.

Use fertilizers containing ammonia or ammonium nitrate for tomatoes. The best types of fertilizer for a tomato garden contains either an 8-32-16 or 6-24-24 mixture of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium respectively. A maintenance rate of one pound per 100 square feet of garden bed should be used after the correct level of fertilization is initially reached. Soil testing is generally helpful to determine fertilization levels.