If you have entered the world of hydroponics, then you’ve probably heard of the MasterBlend Tomato formula. It is a 3 part nutrient and is designed for tomatoes and vegetables. But I have had great success with it across all kinds of plants, including a diluted down version for leafy greens and lettuce.
Designed specifically for hydroponic systems, this nutrient formula provides essential macro and micronutrients that tomatoes and other plants need to thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- The MasterBlend Tomato Formula is a versatile nutrient formula suitable for hydroponic and soil-based gardening.
- It provides essential macro and micronutrients for tomatoes and other plants, promoting healthy growth and high yields.
- The formula dissolves completely in water without clogging sprayers or automated fertilizer systems.
- It is suitable for a variety of vegetable and flower crops, giving you the flexibility to diversify your garden.
- The formula is compatible with organic gardening practices, as it contains no harmful chemicals or synthetic additives.
Flexibility of MasterBlend Tomato Formula
The MasterBlend Tomato Formula is not limited to hydroponic systems; it can also be used for soil-based gardening. This versatile formula is suitable for a variety of vegetable and flower crops, giving you the freedom to experiment and diversify your garden. The formula dissolves completely in water without any fallout, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery without clogging sprayers or automated fertilizer systems.
On the packaging you’ll see the nutient ration 4-18-38. That is the ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK). So basically the formula contains 4% Nitrogen, 18% Phosphorus and 38% Potassium. Other essential nutrients like magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are also included. These are micronutrients. These elements provide a balanced nutrient mix that promotes healthy plant growth, leading to high yields and abundant harvests.
How to Use MasterBlend Tomato Formula
When it comes to nutrient solutions for tomatoes, MasterBlend Tomato Formula is a top choice for hydroponic systems. But, you need to follow the instruction. Otherwise it will be far less effective. Here are some tips and tricks for using this exceptional fertilizer.
Tips on Mixing MasterBlend Tomato Formula
Mixing Ratios
You will need to mix the solution with Epson salt and calcium nitrate in the following ratio: 2 MasterBlend- 1 Epson Salt – 2 Calcium Nitrate.
You need to do some simple math to figure out how strong your solution needs to be:
If you use gallons, then you need to mix 2.4g of MasterBlend with 1.3g of Epson salt and 2.4g of calcium nitrate. And to scale that up, for 5 gallons it would be 2.4g of MasterBlend with 1.3g of Epson salt and 2.4g of calcium nitrate.
Here is a mixing guide in gallons:
| Gallons of water | MasterBlend 4-18-38g | Magnesium Sulfate (Epson Salts) (g) | Calcium Nitrate (g) Add LAST |
| 100 | 227 | 142 | 227 |
| 50 | 113 | 71 | 113 |
| 25 | 57 | 35 | 57 |
| 10 | 23 | 14 | 23 |
| 2 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 4.5 |
| 1 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
And here is a mixing guide in liters:
| Liters of water | MasterBlend 4-18-38g | Magneisum Sulfate (Epson Salts) (g) | Calcium Nitrate (g) Add LAST |
| 100 | 227 | 142 | 227 |
| 50 | 113 | 71 | 113 |
| 25 | 57 | 35 | 57 |
| 10 | 23 | 14 | 23 |
| 2 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 4.5 |
| 1 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 2.4 |
Get the Order Right (Very Important)
- Dissolve your MasterBlend Tomato Formula in the low-T.D.S. water. Use warm water to help dissolving. This creates a nutrient-rich base solution that will support the growth of your tomato plants.
- Then, add the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt).
- Make sure the solution is well mixed.
- Now add the calcium nitrate- this has to always be mixed in last, otherwise it causes a condition called nutrient lockout where the nutrients available to the plant become unavailable.
Test pH
It is likely that the nutrients will change the pH of your water a little, so test the final mix before adjusting to the final desired pH level using pH Down or Up.
By following these guidelines, you can harness the power of MasterBlend Tomato Formula to provide your tomatoes with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and abundant yields.
Add More Calcium Nitrate for Leafy Greens & Flexibility
It’s ok to add more calcium nitrate to your solutions. This will provide more nitrogen to your plants and that is used more heavily in vegetative stages and by leafy greens. So, this way the solution becomes more flexible in its application. Some will even double the calcium nitrate level. This is something you can experiment with yourself.
Prepare Ahead- And Store Your Solution(s)
Mixing these things together is a bit annoying, and especially if you have to do it for every application. So, how about preparing batches to use when you need? Well that’s a great idea! And it’s possible and pretty easy. Here’s how…
The important thing here is that rather than storing one mixed solution, you will be creating two separate solutions… a Part A and a Part B, and storing them separately. When it comes time to use, you combine the two together in equal amounts.
Mixing Part A
- Combine 600 grams of MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato Special with 1 gallon of RO water. Pour the mixture slowly and carefully as the powdery substance may create a cloud of dust. Stir the solution well, making sure to agitate the water until it becomes clear and all the solids are fully dissolved.
- Add 300 grams of Epsom salt and stir until the solids are completely dissolved.
Mixing Part B
- Combine 1100 grams of Calcium Nitrate with 1 gallon of RO water and mix until it seems almost dissolved. Calcium Nitrate, which contains the most impurities, usually doesn’t completely dissolve as easily as the other two fertilizers.
- In order to address the problem of impurities, you can allow Part B formula to sit overnight before combining it with Part A. By the next morning, you will observe that the impurities have settled at the bottom. That way you can gently pour Part B into a clean container, taking care to prevent the impurities at the bottom from being transferred along with it.
Mixing Part A and B
To prevent calcium from crystallizing during long-term storage, it is important to keep Parts A and B separate. Prior to application, combine the desired amount of Part A and Part B into a container of clean water in two separate stages. You will use equal amounts of each though. Depending on the strength of our formula, mixing 15 ml of Part A and 15 ml of Part B into 1 gallon of water will result in a solution strength of around 1000 ppm or 2.0 EC.
Benefits of MasterBlend Tomato Formula
MasterBlend Tomato Formula offers several benefits for tomato plants and other crops. Its unique blend of high-yielding tomato nutrients provides a balanced mix that promotes healthy plant growth, leading to bountiful harvests. Whether you’re a hydroponic enthusiast or prefer soil-based gardening, this versatile fertilizer is suitable for all growing methods, ensuring your tomatoes receive the best care.
One of the key advantages of using MasterBlend Tomato Formula is its ability to dissolve completely in water without any fallout. This means that the nutrients are easily absorbed by the plants, maximizing their growth potential. Additionally, the formula is compatible with sprayers and automated fertilizer delivery systems, preventing clogs and ensuring hassle-free application.
Another crucial benefit is the inclusion of organic tomato nutrients in the formula. These essential micronutrients, such as magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, are vital for optimal plant health. By providing a well-balanced combination of these nutrients, MasterBlend Tomato Formula supports robust plant growth, strong root development, and increased resistance to pests and diseases.
“MasterBlend Tomato Formula offers a balanced nutrient mix that promotes healthy plant growth and high yields, making it an ideal fertilizer for tomato plants.”
Furthermore, MasterBlend Tomato Formula is free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives, making it suitable for organic gardening practices. With this organic tomato fertilizer, you can cultivate your plants naturally while still achieving impressive results.
To summarize, the benefits of MasterBlend Tomato Formula include:
- Promotion of healthy plant growth and high yields
- Suitability for both hydroponic and soil-based growing methods
- Complete dissolution in water without any fallout
- Compatibility with sprayers and automated fertilizer delivery systems
- Inclusion of essential micronutrients for optimal plant health
- Suitability for organic gardening practices
With all these advantages, it’s clear why MasterBlend Tomato Formula is considered the best fertilizer for tomato plants. It provides the balanced and organic tomato nutrients your plants need to thrive, ensuring a successful and rewarding gardening experience.
Other Applications of MasterBlend Tomato Formula
While MasterBlend Tomato Formula is specifically formulated for tomato plants, it is also suitable for other crops. The formula can be used for growing peppers, leafy greens, and various other vegetables. Its balanced nutrient mix provides essential elements for optimal plant growth and development in both hydroponic and soil-based systems. The formula is highly soluble in water, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery. It can be used with sprayers or automated fertilizer delivery systems without clogging. The versatility of MasterBlend Tomato Formula makes it a valuable nutrient solution for a wide range of crops in various growing methods.
Conclusion
MasterBlend Tomato Formula is my go-to solution for providing the essential nutrients to not just my tomato plants, but peppers and even non-fruiting plants like leafy greens! It’s worked well for me. But it does take a little getting used to. And can be finicky measuring out and mixing the solutions. If you are just starting out, a 1-part nutrient solution would be ideal, and I can recommend 1-Part Dyna-Grow nutrients for this purpose. They are treasonably priced and super sample to use. So, between MasterbLend Tomato formula and Dyna-Grow I have my bases covered.
But MasterBlend Tomato Formula is a carefully balanced mix of macro and micronutrients and is designed for healthy growth and maximizing yields.
Whether you are a hydroponic gardener or prefer soil-based gardening, MasterBlend Tomato Formula offers versatility, making it suitable for different growing methods.
If done properly, one of the standout features of this formula is its superior solubility, ensuring that the nutrients are efficiently delivered to your plants without any clogs or fallout. By following the recommended mixing and application instructions, you can unlock the full potential of your tomato (and other) plants, experiencing robust growth and abundant harvests.
For optimal results, it’s worth experimenting with different dosage rates and environmental conditions (temperatures etc). This will help you fine-tune your nutrient regimen and enhance the benefits of MasterBlend Tomato Formula.
FAQ
What is MasterBlend Tomato Formula?
MasterBlend Tomato Formula is a versatile nutrient formula specifically designed for hydroponic systems. It provides essential macro and micronutrients that tomatoes and other plants need to grow, bloom, and set fruit. The formula is also suitable for soil growing and can be used for a variety of vegetable and flower crops.
How do I use MasterBlend Tomato Formula in a hydroponic system?
To use MasterBlend Tomato Formula in a hydroponic system, dissolve 1 pound of the fertilizer per gallon of pure, low-T.D.S. water. Add magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) to the solution at a rate of 0.6 pound per gallon of water. This becomes Part B concentrate in a two-part A-B nutrient formula. Dispense Part B concentrate into your hydroponics reservoir at a rate of about 1 ounce of concentrate per gallon, after adding 1 ounce of Part A concentrate per gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and check the nutrient levels in the reservoir with an EC meter. Add equal parts of Part A and Part B until you reach the desired nutrient level, typically around 2.0 EC or 20 CF.
What are the benefits of using MasterBlend Tomato Formula?
MasterBlend Tomato Formula offers several benefits for tomato plants and other crops. It provides a balanced nutrient mix that promotes healthy plant growth, leading to high yields. The formula is suitable for both hydroponic and soil-based growing, making it versatile for different gardening methods. It dissolves completely in water without any fallout, ensuring that the nutrients are effectively delivered to the plants. The formula is also compatible with sprayers and automated fertilizer delivery systems, preventing clogs. Additionally, MasterBlend Tomato Formula contains essential micronutrients that are vital for optimal plant health, including magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.
How do I mix and apply MasterBlend Tomato Formula?
To mix MasterBlend Tomato Formula for application, follow the recommended instructions. For spray tank application, mix 8 oz. of the formula in 100 gallons of water, along with 5 oz. of magnesium sulfate. Dissolve the chemicals completely and then add 8 oz. of calcium nitrate, followed by complete dissolution. Apply 1 quart per square foot as a normal watering on a 1 to 2 week basis. Adjust the pH to 6.4-7.7. For transplants, mix 8 oz. of the formula in 100 gallons of water, along with 4 oz. of magnesium sulfate. Dissolve the chemicals completely and then add 6 oz. of calcium nitrate, followed by complete dissolution. Apply on a 2 to 3 week basis.
Can I use MasterBlend Tomato Formula for other crops?
While MasterBlend Tomato Formula is specifically formulated for tomato plants, it is also suitable for other crops. The formula can be used for growing peppers, leafy greens, and various other vegetables. Its balanced nutrient mix provides essential elements for optimal plant growth and development in both hydroponic and soil-based systems. The formula is highly soluble in water, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery. It can be used with sprayers or automated fertilizer delivery systems without clogging. The versatility of MasterBlend Tomato Formula makes it a valuable nutrient solution for a wide range of crops in various growing methods.
What should I know before using MasterBlend Tomato Formula?
Before using MasterBlend Tomato Formula, it is important to analyze the water quality and monitor media quality. Conducting soil and plant tissue analysis can also provide valuable insights. Additionally, it is recommended to adjust the dosage of the formula based on the specific plants being grown. pH Down can be added to the combined concentrated chemicals if necessary.
What are some tips and tricks for using MasterBlend Tomato Formula?
Experimentation with different dosage rates and environmental conditions can further optimize the use of MasterBlend Tomato Formula. Gardeners can adjust the nutrient levels in the reservoir based on the needs of their plants. It is also recommended to make your own Part A solution and refer to the hydroponics application section of the description of Calcium Nitrate. By following the recommended instructions and monitoring the nutrient levels, gardeners can achieve peak plant nutrition and successful tomato cultivation.