10 Best Manures for Tomato Plants to Boost Your Garden’s Yield

I’ve found that the best manures for boosting tomato yields include True Organic Chicken Manure with its balanced 3-3-2 NPK ratio, Black Kow Composted Cow Manure for improved soil structure, and Burpee Organic Granular fertilizer for sustained three-month feeding. Chicken manure provides quick nitrogen release while cow manure offers gentle, slow-release nutrition without root burn. These organic options enhance beneficial microbial activity, improve moisture retention, and maintain ideal soil pH between 6.0-7.0 for maximum nutrient absorption and healthier plants that resist disease naturally.

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Notable Insights

• Chicken manure provides balanced nutrition with 3% nitrogen, 3% phosphate, and 2% potash for continuous feeding and enhanced soil structure.
• Cow manure improves moisture retention and aeration while maintaining neutral soil pH and providing beneficial bacteria for slow-release nutrition.
• Organic granular fertilizers like Burpee and Dr. Earth offer sustained-release formulas ensuring continuous feeding for up to three months.
• Well-composted manures reduce harmful pathogens while increasing beneficial microbial activity that enhances nutrient cycling and disease resistance.
• High microbial activity from manure applications creates symbiotic relationships with tomato roots, improving nutrient uptake and water exchange efficiency.

True Organic Chicken Manure – Natural Fertilizer for Soil Health and Plant Growth

If you’re seeking a natural fertilizer that delivers both immediate soil improvements and long-term plant health benefits, True Organic Chicken Manure stands out as an exceptional choice for tomato growers who prioritize sustainable gardening practices. This nutrient-rich amendment provides essential macronutrients with 3% nitrogen, 3% phosphate, and 2% potash, ensuring your tomatoes receive balanced nutrition throughout their growing cycle. The nitrogen composition includes both water-soluble and slow-release forms, delivering immediate feeding while maintaining steady nutrient availability as your plants develop. You’ll notice enhanced soil structure, improved drainage, and better moisture retention, creating ideal growing conditions for robust tomato production.

Best For: Tomato growers and gardeners who want a natural, sustainable fertilizer that improves soil health while providing balanced nutrition for enhanced plant growth and productivity.

Pros:

• Contains balanced NPK nutrients (3-3-2) with both immediate water-soluble and slow-release nitrogen for continuous plant feeding
• Improves soil structure, drainage, moisture retention, and promotes beneficial microbial activity for healthier growing conditions
• Easy to apply with excellent coverage (25lb covers up to 650 sq ft) and no unpleasant odor

Cons:

• Lower nutrient concentration compared to synthetic fertilizers may require more frequent applications for heavy-feeding plants
• Limited availability and potentially higher cost per nutrient unit compared to conventional fertilizers
• May attract pests or animals if not properly incorporated into soil

Black Kow Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer (8 qt)

Black Kow Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer stands out as an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a versatile, nutrient-rich soil amendment that transforms challenging growing conditions into thriving tomato gardens. This 8-quart package delivers remarkable benefits for sandy soils by improving moisture retention, keeping water and nutrients around your tomato roots where they’re needed most. If you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, Black Kow breaks up compacted earth, enhancing aeration and making nutrients more accessible to your plants. The fertilizer contains millions of beneficial bacteria that convert nitrogen into easily absorbed forms, providing slow-release nutrition without burning tender tomato roots while creating ideal growing conditions.

Best For: Gardeners with sandy or clay soils who want a versatile, slow-release organic fertilizer that improves soil structure and provides gentle nutrition for vegetables, flowers, and potted plants.

Pros:

• Improves both sandy and clay soils by enhancing moisture retention and soil aeration
• Contains beneficial bacteria that convert nutrients into easily absorbed forms for plants
• Provides slow-release nutrition that won’t burn tender roots

Cons:

• Only 8-quart package size may not be sufficient for larger garden areas
• Being composted manure, it may have an odor that some gardeners find unpleasant
• Results may take longer to show compared to synthetic quick-release fertilizers

Burpee Organic Tomato & Vegetable Granular Plant Food, 4 lb

Gardeners seeking a reliable, long-term feeding solution for their tomato plants will find Burpee Organic Tomato & Vegetable Granular Plant Food delivers exceptional value through its sustained-release formula. This OMRI-listed organic fertilizer provides immediate nutrient availability while maintaining continuous feeding for up to three months, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication during your growing season. The granular format releases essential nutrients gradually, ensuring your tomato plants receive consistent nourishment that promotes superior quality and increased yields throughout their development cycle. Burpee’s 147-year legacy in gardening excellence backs this product, giving you confidence in choosing a trusted brand that’s helped generations of gardeners achieve successful harvests.

Best For: Gardeners who want a convenient, organic fertilizer that provides long-lasting nutrition for tomato and vegetable plants without frequent reapplication.

Pros:

• OMRI-listed organic formula suitable for organic gardening
• Provides continuous feeding for up to 3 months with gradual nutrient release
• Backed by Burpee’s 147-year reputation and trusted brand legacy

Cons:

• Granular format may require proper soil incorporation for optimal effectiveness
• Limited to 4 lb package size which may not be sufficient for larger gardens
• May take longer to show results compared to liquid fertilizers due to gradual release formula

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food

Water-soluble fertilizers offer three distinct advantages for tomato growers who want immediate, measurable results from their feeding program. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food delivers nutrients instantly to your plants, ensuring bigger harvests and more bountiful vegetables throughout the growing season. You’ll feed your tomatoes every one to two weeks using either the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any standard watering can, making application both flexible and convenient. This specialized formula works safely on all plants without burning when you follow the package directions, giving you confidence in your feeding routine. The product consistently outperforms unfed plants in both growth rate and overall yield.

Best For: Tomato and vegetable gardeners who want instant nutrient delivery and bigger harvests with a safe, easy-to-use feeding program that can be applied every 1-2 weeks.

Pros:

• Delivers nutrients instantly for immediate results and bigger, more bountiful vegetables
• Safe for all plants with guaranteed no-burn formula when used as directed
• Flexible application options using either Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any standard watering can

Cons:

• Requires frequent feeding every 1-2 weeks throughout the growing season
• Water-soluble formula may wash away quickly with heavy rain or overwatering
• More expensive than slow-release fertilizers due to repeated application needs

Dr. Earth Home Grown Organic Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer – 4lb

Dr. Earth Home Grown Organic Fertilizer delivers exceptional nutrition for your tomato plants through its 100% organic, natural formulation. You’ll benefit from the Advanced TruBiotic technology, which includes five beneficial soil microbes and eighteen mycorrhizae strains that enhance nutrient uptake. This 4-pound powder releases nutrients quickly while continuing to feed your plants for several months, promoting drought tolerance and improved performance. You can cover up to 60 square feet with one package, making it perfect for vegetable gardens, raised beds, or containers. The organic formula contains no synthetic ingredients, GMO chicken manure, or sewage sludge, ensuring safe, healthy tomato production.

Best For: Organic gardeners growing tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs who want a natural fertilizer that provides both immediate and long-term nutrition while building soil health through beneficial microbes.

Pros:

• Contains Advanced TruBiotic technology with beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizae that enhance nutrient uptake and plant performance
• 100% organic formulation with no synthetic ingredients, GMO chicken manure, or sewage sludge for safe, natural gardening
• Provides both quick nutrient release and sustained feeding for several months while improving drought tolerance

Cons:

• May attract pets to treated areas, requiring careful application and monitoring
• Higher price point compared to conventional synthetic fertilizers
• Limited to 60 square feet coverage per 4-pound package, requiring multiple bags for larger gardens

Espoma Organic Chicken Manure 25 lb Fertilizer for Organic Gardening

Espoma Organic Chicken Manure stands out as an exceptional choice for tomato enthusiasts who prioritize organic growing methods and seek a reliable, time-tested fertilizer. This all-natural product delivers a balanced 5-3-2 nutrient profile with 8% calcium, providing essential elements your tomatoes need for strong cell walls and disease resistance. You’ll appreciate that it’s completely free of additives, sludges, and toxic ingredients, ensuring safe application around edible crops. For best results with your tomato plants, apply this ready-to-use fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season, spreading it around the drip line and watering thoroughly afterward. Manufactured by Espoma Company since 1929, this certified organic input material meets all standards for organic production.

Best For: Organic gardeners growing tomatoes, vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs who want a reliable, all-natural fertilizer with balanced nutrients and calcium for healthy plant development.

Pros:

• Balanced 5-3-2 nutrient profile with 8% calcium provides essential elements for strong plant growth and disease resistance
• Certified organic input material free of additives, sludges, and toxic ingredients ensures safe use around edible crops
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and comes from a trusted manufacturer with over 90 years of experience

Cons:

• Requires monthly applications during growing season which may be more frequent than some synthetic fertilizers
• 25 lb bag size may be too large for small garden spaces or container gardening
• Organic composition may have a noticeable odor that some gardeners find unpleasant

Espoma Organic Tomato Plant Food Fertilizer (8 Ounce Concentrated)

Organic gardeners seeking a concentrated, liquid fertilizer will find this Espoma product delivers exceptional value for their tomato plants. This 8-ounce concentrated formula provides essential nutrients specifically designed for tomatoes and other vegetables, ensuring your plants receive targeted nutrition throughout the growing season. You’ll appreciate the simple application process: just mix ½ cap per quart of water, drench the soil thoroughly, and repeat every 2-4 weeks for ideal results. The formula works effectively in both containers and garden beds, promoting vigorous growth and increased productivity while maintaining safety around children and pets.

Best For: Organic gardeners who want a concentrated liquid fertilizer that’s safe for families and pets while providing targeted nutrition for tomatoes and other vegetables in both containers and garden beds.

Pros:

• Concentrated formula provides excellent value with simple mixing instructions (½ cap per quart of water)
• Certified organic and safe for use around children and pets while promoting vigorous plant growth
• Made by established company with nearly a century of experience in natural organic products

Cons:

• Requires regular reapplication every 2-4 weeks throughout the growing season
• 8-ounce size may not last long for gardeners with extensive tomato plantings
• Nutrient composition details are not specified and require checking the product label

Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure (10 lb Pail)

Tomato gardeners seeking a reliable, chemical-free soil amendment will find Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure an excellent choice for enhancing their growing beds. This 100% organic fertilizer comes in convenient 10-pound pails, delivering essential nutrients that support robust tomato plant development while improving soil structure naturally. You’ll appreciate how this composted manure enhances water retention and aeration, creating ideal growing conditions for your tomato plants’ root systems. The crumbled form makes application straightforward, whether you’re preparing new garden beds or enriching existing soil around established plants. With its 4.6-star rating from satisfied customers, this sustainable, USA-sourced amendment proves effective for boosting garden productivity.

Best For: Tomato gardeners and organic growers who want a chemical-free, nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves soil structure, water retention, and overall plant health in a convenient, easy-to-apply crumbled form.

Pros:

• 100% organic and chemical-free composition sourced sustainably from USA farms
• Improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration while providing essential nutrients for robust plant growth
• Convenient crumbled form in 10-pound pails makes application easy for all garden types and sizes

Cons:

• Limited quantity at 10 pounds may not be sufficient for larger garden areas or multiple applications
• Some customers reported unexpected moisture levels in the product upon delivery
• Higher price point compared to non-organic alternatives may not fit all budgets

Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure (4 Quart)

Home gardeners seeking a convenient, chemical-free solution for enriching their tomato beds will find Home & Country USA Organic Composted Cow Manure an excellent choice for sustainable cultivation. This 4-quart package delivers essential nutrients that boost soil fertility, improve water retention, and encourage beneficial microbial activity vital for healthy tomato development. You’ll appreciate its compact 6-pound size, making it perfect for container gardening or smaller tomato plots where precise application matters. The 100% organic composition guarantees your tomatoes grow without harmful chemicals while supporting robust root systems and enhanced fruit production. This versatile amendment works exceptionally well for both established tomato plants and new transplants.

Best For: Home gardeners who want to improve their tomato beds with an organic, chemical-free soil amendment that enhances fertility and supports sustainable growing practices.

Pros:

• 100% organic composition ensures chemical-free cultivation while providing essential nutrients for robust plant growth
• Improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration while encouraging beneficial microbial activity
• Compact 6-pound size perfect for container gardening and precise application in smaller garden plots

Cons:

• Limited customer feedback with only one review rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
• 4-quart size may not be sufficient for larger garden beds or multiple planting areas
• Lower product ranking (#528,010 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) suggests limited market presence

Farmers Secret Tomato Booster Fertilizer (8oz) – Super Concentrated with Humic Acid, Iron and Calcium

Super concentrated formulas deliver exceptional value for gardeners who want maximum results from minimal product usage. Farmers Secret Tomato Booster Fertilizer transforms your tomato cultivation with its scientifically backed 3:8:7 NPK ratio, enhanced with humic acid, iron, and calcium for thorough plant nutrition. You’ll appreciate how just two teaspoons per gallon creates a powerful solution that supports your tomatoes throughout their entire growth cycle, from seedling to harvest. This Kentucky-bottled fertilizer targets bigger, juicier, and plumper tomatoes through professional-grade nutrient delivery that works effectively for all varieties. Weekly applications guarantee consistent feeding that maximizes your garden’s potential without complicated mixing procedures.

Best For: Home gardeners seeking to maximize tomato yield and quality with a professional-grade, concentrated fertilizer that’s easy to apply throughout the growing season.

Pros:

• Super concentrated formula provides exceptional value – only 2 teaspoons per gallon needed
• Enhanced with humic acid, iron, and calcium for comprehensive plant nutrition beyond basic NPK
• Works effectively for all tomato varieties with weekly application throughout entire plant life cycle

Cons:

• Limited to 8oz bottle size which may require frequent reordering for large gardens
• Requires weekly applications throughout the growing season for optimal results
• Specialized formula only targets tomatoes rather than being a general-purpose fertilizer

Factors to Consider When Choosing Manure for Tomato Plants

When I’m selecting manure for my tomato plants, I consider several critical factors that directly impact plant health, soil quality, and harvest success. The nutrient content analysis reveals essential nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, while composting methods determine pathogen safety and nutrient availability. I also evaluate how different manures affect soil pH, their nutrient release timing throughout the growing season, and whether they meet organic certification standards for my garden goals.

Nutrient Content Analysis

Although various manures share similar organic benefits, their nutrient compositions differ considerably, making careful analysis essential for best tomato growth. I’ve found that chicken manure contains approximately 3% total nitrogen, which promotes vigorous leafy development in tomato plants. Meanwhile, cow manure offers a balanced NPK ratio around 0.5-0.5-0.5, providing steady nutrient release that supports root development and overall plant health.

When I analyze nutrient availability, I consider the composting process, since well-composted manures release nutrients more effectively than fresh alternatives. Chicken manure’s 8% calcium content particularly excites me because it helps prevent blossom end rot, a frustrating condition that ruins tomato fruits. The beneficial microbes present in quality composted manures also enhance soil fertility, improving your plants’ ability to access these essential nutrients throughout the growing season.

Composting and Processing

Understanding these nutrient differences leads naturally to examining how composting and processing transform raw manure into garden-ready amendments for your tomato plants. I recommend composting manure because it greatly improves nutrient content while reducing harmful pathogens that could damage your plants. Well-composted manure contains lower nitrogen levels, which prevents burning your tomato plants’ tender roots while still delivering essential nutrients they need. The composting process increases beneficial microbial activity, enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthier plant growth throughout the growing season. Whether you’re using chicken or cow manure, proper processing improves soil structure, aeration, and moisture retention. Remember that composting duration and conditions, including temperature and moisture levels, directly influence the final product’s nutrient availability and overall quality for your garden.

Soil Ph Impact

How does soil pH affect your tomato plants‘ ability to absorb nutrients from the manure you’ve carefully selected and composted? The answer lies in maintaining that sweet spot between 6.0 and 7.0 pH, where your tomatoes can efficiently access essential nutrients. I’ve learned that different manures impact soil pH differently—chicken manure tends to lower pH due to its high nitrogen content, while cow manure maintains a more neutral effect. You’ll want to test your soil regularly since repeated manure applications gradually shift pH levels over time. If you over-apply alkaline manures, you risk raising pH too high, potentially causing iron chlorosis and nutrient deficiencies. Well-composted manure provides the most stable pH foundation for consistent tomato growth.

Release Rate Timing

When you’re selecting manure for your tomato plants, the nutrient release rate becomes a critical factor that determines how well your plants will thrive throughout the growing season. I’ve found that chicken manure with slow-release components provides sustained nitrogen availability, which matches perfectly with tomatoes’ vigorous growth demands. Composted manures work exceptionally well because beneficial bacteria continuously break down organic matter, creating steady nutrient availability through microbial activity.

Timing your manure applications strategically aligns with your tomatoes’ specific growth stages, particularly during flowering and fruiting when nutrient demands peak. The ideal release rate prevents nutrient leaching during heavy rains, ensuring your plants receive consistent nourishment without dangerous fluctuations in soil nutrient levels that could stress your crop.

Organic Certification Standards

Although many gardeners focus primarily on nutrient content, organic certification standards represent a crucial consideration that directly impacts your tomato plants’ health and your garden’s environmental sustainability. When you choose certified organic manure, you’re ensuring the material comes from livestock raised without antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic feed additives. These standards require proper composting or treatment processes that eliminate harmful pathogens and weed seeds, protecting your edible crops from contamination. I’ve found that organic manure enhances soil structure and microbial activity more effectively than conventional alternatives, creating ideal growing conditions for tomatoes. The certification process includes regular inspections and documentation, giving you confidence that your soil amendments meet rigorous quality guidelines while supporting long-term garden health.

Application Method Requirements

Successful manure application requires understanding specific techniques that match your chosen organic material with your tomato plants’ nutritional needs. I recommend incorporating fresh manures directly into soil before planting, while composted varieties work well as top dressings around established plants. You’ll want to apply manure near the drip line, where feeder roots actively absorb nutrients most efficiently. I suggest using approximately 25 pounds of manure per 650 square feet for extensive soil enrichment. Timing matters considerably, especially with nitrogen-rich manures that should go down early to support vigorous growth during heavy feeding periods. After application, I always water thoroughly to dissolve nutrients and facilitate root uptake, ensuring your tomato plants receive maximum benefit from your organic amendments.

Salt Content Levels

Beyond proper application techniques, salt concentration in your chosen manure greatly impacts your tomato plants’ ability to thrive and produce quality fruit. I always recommend testing your manure’s salt content before application, as tomatoes are particularly sensitive to high sodium levels. When salt concentrations exceed safe limits, your plants experience osmotic stress, which prevents proper water and nutrient absorption, ultimately reducing both growth and fruit yield.

I’ve found that composting manure considerably reduces its salt content through natural microbial breakdown processes. You’ll want to verify your soil’s electrical conductivity stays below 1.5 dS/m for ideal tomato performance. This measurement indicates salt concentration levels, and exceeding this threshold can seriously compromise your harvest. Choose low-salt manures or properly composted options to protect your tomato plants’ health.

Microbial Activity Enhancement

Most gardeners underestimate how dramatically microbial activity in manure transforms their tomato plants’ growth potential and overall health. When I choose manures with high microbial activity, I’m fundamentally introducing millions of beneficial microorganisms that break down organic matter and release nutrients directly to my plants’ roots. Chicken and cow manures contain particularly valuable bacteria that enhance nutrient cycling, creating a more efficient feeding system for tomatoes.

I’ve found that manures rich in mycorrhizae create symbiotic relationships with tomato roots, dramatically improving water and nutrient exchange. These active microbial cultures also suppress soil-borne diseases while improving soil structure, increasing both aeration and moisture retention. Regular applications of microbe-rich manure consistently produce healthier, more vigorous tomato plants in my garden.

On a final note

I’ve shared eight excellent manure options that’ll greatly boost your tomato plants’ health, growth, and overall yield this season. Whether you choose organic chicken manure, composted cow manure, or specialized tomato fertilizers, each product offers unique benefits for soil enrichment. Remember to take into account factors like soil pH, nutrient content, and application timing when selecting your fertilizer. With proper manure selection and application, you’ll enjoy healthier plants and more abundant harvests.