I think the soil in my garden is too rich in nitrogen?

Question

this is based strickly on previous experience with potted tomatoes where they grew beautifully never produced. If there is another possibilty that could cause the growth with out production please let me know. Is there something I can amend the soil with to lower the nitrogen content?

Answer 1

You are correct--if there is too much nitrogen you get a lot of vegetative growth at the expense of the reproductive growth. Fortunately, for you, nitrogen is very volatile in the soil so it doesn't hang around long so the level will drop. When you fertilize in the future use a fert that has a higher middle number, like 15-30-15.

There is one other possibility and only you would know if this is a possibility. If you are getting blossoms but no tomatoes the blossoms may not be getting pollinated. There is a shortage of pollinators these days in many areas because when the county (or whoever) sprays for mosquitoes they kill many of the pollinators too. This can be remedied by using Tomato Blossom Set which you can get at most good lawn and garden centers.

Answer 2

Nitrogen Rich Soil

Answer 3

You have recieved some of the best answers that I've seen on this subject. All present valid points on changing soil structure. There are several factors that can influence it including organic content, moisture content and particle size. The recommendations of adding organic matter are the best ones. Where I live, the soil is clay. I condition my soil with pine bark, sphagnum peat and gypsum. These agents all do different things. The bark adds organic value and modifies the particle size of the soil. It also adds porosity to the soil. Sphagnum peat enhances the ability of the soil to hold moisture, reduces soil pH and adds organic value. Gypsum helps break down the clay electrolytically and adds sulfur and calcium to the soil. These three things, I have found to be the best for my soil conditions. Trial and error will give you the best results, but it does take time. Spade or rototill your soil, adding the organics and gyp. Note: a shortcut to the above would be to add a good quality potting soil into your earth soil. Potting mix usually contains peat, bark and some measure of plant nutrients and micronutrients. Buy a good quality potting mix, not just cheap potting soil. Moisture is an issue that many people overlook when assessing soil. Moisture softens clay and makes it more workable. By enhancing your organic content in the soil, you're enabling it to hold moisture better. If you are not mulching this area when plants are in place or not, you are losing the ability to control soil moisture. Be sure that you keep the soil covered with mulch. Further, as mulch breaks down, it becomes organic matter, further enhancing your soil.

Answer 4

Soil tests for Nitrogen are often unreliable as N levels tend to change with temperatures and other factors and N is often very mobile. If it is too high in nitrogen the available nitrogen (the form the plant can use) should decrease very quickly on its own. Planting crops that are heavy N users would speed up this process- spinich, corn, etc. planting cover crops like rye also soak up available Nitrogen and convert it into a less available form that breaks down slowly and more evenly over time.

Answer 5

How much sun does you garden get? You need a lot for tomatoes.

You may not have too much nitrogen but not enough of the other nutrients. A fertilizer very high in the second number encourages blooms and fruit to grow.

Finally did you get blooms but no tomatoes. This can happen if the night time temperature is always above 70 deg F. You get blooms but the fruit (tomato) doesn't set.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I think the soil in my garden is too rich in nitrogen?
this is based strickly on previous experience with potted tomatoes where they grew beautifully never produced. If there is another possibilty that could cause the growth with out production please let me know. Is there something I can amend the soil with to lower the nitrogen content?

Answer 7

while nitrogen excess could be an issue, the trouble is really an imbalance with the other nutrients that support flower and fruit production. Potassium and phosphorus are what's needed to balance the three so your tomatoes will grow and produce fruit.

Answer 8

Hey if you are right get it analysed and sell it. Indeed scientists will no doubt beat a path to your door!!

A soil that is naturally rich in nitrogen - there has to be a first for everything.

Answer 9

You lucky sod!

My garden consists of beach sand, with red soil added on top (about 6") so I could have a lawn.
It's a huge struggle to top up the feeding every year - mostly we recycle just about everything to layer on top.

May be you could add sand to your soil, in a fairly high ratio - at the very least, you'd be assured of good drainage!

Answer 10

Out here in South Dakota, people send a soil sample in a brown paper lunch bag to the county extension office?, state university?. They test soil for free and recommend fertilizer.