Using AGGRAND to Grow Greenhouse Tomatoes

Growing with AGGRAND

Using AGGRAND to Grow Greenhouse Tomatoes

Greenhouse tomato production requires sufficient levels of macro and micronutrients to set fruit. Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) are especially critical. Insufficient levels of these nutrients produce diseased plants and poor quality fruit.

Development of an organic system that stimulates rapid early growth and development is critical. The addition of a biological activator, aerobically composted (or other material), worm castings, or used potting mix inoculate the media with microorganisms. The microbes convert natural fertilizer nutrients and fix atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nutrients which speeds plant growth and development.

Planting Mix

Mix peat moss, perlite, and coarse vermiculite in a 2:1:1 ratio.

Substitute sandy loam, pumice, compost, castings, and etc. for part or all of the vermiculite.

Add 5 lbs of high calcium lime and 2.5 lbs of dolomite lime to one cubic yard of mix.

Soak the media with enough water to thoroughly wet the peat moss. Mix 1 gallon of AGGRAND Natural Liquid Lime, and 1 qt. of AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3 with the water and add to one cubic yard of mix. Use a wetting agent to aid in wetting the mix. Add a biological activator to further stimulate biological activity.

Up to 1/3 used mix may be substituted for new mix. Blend them together after steps 1-4 are complete. Allow the mix to sit for several weeks before planting.

Soil Applications

Once seedlings have emerged and have developed 2 to 3 true leaves then begin fertilizing the soil. AGGRAND can be applied through greenhouse injection or mixed in a bucket and applied with a watering can. Rates are given for weekly applications. Adjust rates accordingly when applying more or less often.

Mix 1.5 oz. AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3, 1 oz. AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Bonemeal 0-12-0, and 0.5 oz. AGGRAND 0-0-8 Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash with 1 gallon of water. Apply 1 cup of solution to each gallon of media.

Keep well watered between fertilizations. Leach the media with plenty of fresh water every 8 weeks or at least once during the growing cycle.

Foliar Applications

AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3 can be applied to the leaves of greenhouse tomatoes to supply additional nutrients. Mix 1-2 oz. AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3 with 1 gallon of water and apply as a fine mist to the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Apply enough solution to wet the leaf surfaces. Apply in 14 to 21 day intervals after the plants reach 2 to 3 true leaves. The critical stages for foliar applications are: 2 to 3 true leaves, pre-bloom, and early cluster formation.

Rates vary according to other inputs that are applied. Lower dilution rates are more effective than higher dilution rates. Two or three lighter applications may be more effective than one or two heavier applications. If other constraints only allow one application then do not exceed a 3% dilution rate (3 oz. of AGGRAND to 1 gal.of water).

The addition of a biodegradable surfactant increases uptake by promoting adhesion to the leaf surface. Apply AGGRAND in the early morning or late evening.

To reduce susceptibility to attack of insects and disease causing organisms foliar, apply 2 oz. of AGGRAND Natural Organic Liquid Fertilizer 4-3-3 or 1 oz. of AGGRAND 0-0-8 Natural Kelp and Sulfate of Potash mixed in 1 gal. of water when signs of infestation begin to become apparent.