Did you know that a well-nourished tomato plant can increase —in some cases, even double— production compared to one that doesn’t receive the right nutrients at the right time?
In fact, a study published in Scientific Reports showed that adjusting fertilization and irrigation can significantly improve tomato yields in greenhouse conditions (Zhao et al., 2017).
And while tomatoes are just one example, this principle applies to all generative crops. Designing and following the right nutrient schedule is one of the most effective ways to improve the health, yield, and quality of any plant.
In this article, we’ll explore how a personalized nutrition plan can enhance each stage of your plants’ development—from seedling to full bloom or fruit production. Follow us while we review what to consider when creating a feeding schedule, which mistakes to avoid, and practical tips to help you get the most out of your crops, especially when working indoors!
Table of Contents
1. Why a Feeding Schedule Is Important
2. Understanding Nutrient Needs at Every Stage
a. Feeding Schedule – The Seedling Stage
b. Feeding Schedule – The Vegetative Stage
c. Feeding Schedule – The Flowering/Fruiting Stage
3. Adapting a Grow Guide to the Crop, Substrate and Environment
Why a Feeding Schedule Is Important
Imagine trying to run a marathon with nothing more than a single cereal bar in your pocket —or even worse, eating a whole roast just before the race. Plants face the same challenges when they do not receive the right nutrients at the right time.
Generative plants, such as fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers), flowering plants (such as petunias or geraniums) or flowering ornamental plants, have very specific nutritional needs during their life cycle. It is not enough to give them fertiliser from time to time. A plan is needed.
Each stage of the plant’s development (germination, vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting) requires a different balance of macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), secondary nutrients (such as calcium, magnesium and sulphur) and micronutrients (such as iron, boron or zinc).
Having a structured nutrition plan allows you to:
● Avoid deficiencies that limit growth or flowering.
● Preventing excesses that can cause toxicity or unbalance the soil or substrate.
● Optimising yields in terms of size, flavour, colour and number of fruits or flowers.
● Saving resources by applying only what the plants need, when they really need it.
Think of this plan as an intelligent pantry, always ready to provide just what your crop needs, at the right time. It is the basis for your plants to express their full genetic potential, and an essential tool for any cultivator seeking consistent, healthy, quality results.
Understanding Plant Nutrient Needs at Every Stage
| Class of nutrient | Nutrients |
| Primary Nutrients | Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium |
| Secondary Nutrients | Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur |
| Trace Elements | Zinc, Iron, Boron, Copper, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Nickel and Manganese |
Each of these nutrients plays an essential role in processes such as photosynthesis, flower or fruit production, and root development. That’s why adapting nutrition to the life cycle of your plants is essential.
Feeding Schedule – The Seedling Stage
During the seedling stage, plants are still very delicate. Their roots are just starting to develop and cannot absorb large amounts of nutrients, so it is important to apply only very mild doses of fertilisers.
An excess of nutrients or too high an EC (electrical conductivity) level can cause stress or even burns on young leaves. This is observed in crops as varied as tomatoes, petunias or cherry trees, when very ‘loaded’ soils are used.
● Recommended photoperiod indoors: 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.
● Ideal EC level: between 0.8 and 1.2.
● Suitable soil pH range: between 6.0 and 7.0.
Atami choice:
Now is the time to give your plants a little bit of TLC while they develop their roots, because the stronger they are underground, the better they will do on the surface.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good root system and add root stimulators such as Rootbastic, Root Stimulator, Rootfast or Root-C to your plan.
Feeding Schedule – The Vegetative Stage
After about 14 to 21 days, many species move on to the vegetative stage. This is when there is the greatest development of leaves, branches and roots.
In green vegetable crops this is the most important phase of the cycle. For fruits and vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, etc., this growth is key to preparing the plant for flowering or fruiting.
During this phase, nitrogen becomes more important, as it drives the development of the aerial part of the plant. A nitrogen-rich nutritional balance is recommended, with moderate amounts of phosphorus and potassium, as well as a good supply of secondary and trace elements.
● Recommended photoperiod indoors: 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.
● Ideal EC level: between 1.2 and 1.8.
● Suitable pH range in soil: between 6.0 and 7.0.
Atami choice:
In our catalogue we have several fertilisers designed specifically for this stage, we recommend that you take a look at our basic nutrients so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and your growing method. Some of our best options are:
● From our B’cuzz mineral line: Soil A&B, Coco A&B or Hydro A&B.
● From our veganic VGN line: VGN 5-2-2 and VGN 2-2-4.
Feeding Schedule – The Flowering or Fruiting Stage
When it is time for flowering or fruit production, as in plants such as geraniums, blueberries or aubergines, the nutritional focus changes. Here, potassium and phosphorus take centre stage, supporting flowering, seed formation and fruit development.
Nitrogen is often reduced to avoid excessive vegetative growth that can take energy away from generative production. Maintaining a good balance between nutrients, light and environmental conditions is essential for abundant harvests and healthy flowers.
● Recommended photoperiod indoors: 12 hours of light and 12 of darkness.
● Ideal EC level: between 1.8 and 2.0.
● Suitable pH range in soil: between 6.0 and 7.0.
Atami choice:
This is where Atami shines, as flowering stimulators and additives are our speciality, starting with Bloombastic and Rokzbastic, two powerful cocktails rich in phosphorus, potassium and iron, together with organic substances that predispose the plant to flowering, improving flower development and fruiting.
Another powerful combination is Bloom Stimulator, to improve floral evocation and flower setting, and Blossom Builder, a flowering and ripening additive with a high concentration of phosphorus and potassium (PK 18-23).
If you are looking for a flowering additive that you can use in your organic crop, VGN 1-4-4 contains the phosphorus and potassium that your plant demands at this stage and is approved as an input for organic farming.
Adapting a Grow Guide to the Crop, Substrate and Environment
A fertiliser chart is a useful guide, but it is not a rigid recipe. Matching it correctly to your crop, substrate and environment makes the difference between a plant that simply survives… and one that produces to its full potential.
Here’s how to customise any nutrient table to suit your actual conditions.
1. Know your crop’s needs thoroughly
Each crop, or even each variety, has different nutritional demands. A tomato plant in production is not the same as a lettuce seedling, nor is an aromatic plant such as thyme the same as a flowering geranium. For example:
● Tomatoes demand more potassium (K) during setting and fattening.
● Strawberries are sensitive to excess nitrogen, especially during fruiting.
● Hydrangeas change colour according to pH and the type of nutrient available.
Tip: Check the uptake curve of your crop and its key phenological stages. If your table is generic, make small adjustments according to the type of plant and the time of the cycle.
2. Adapt according to substrate or growing medium type
The medium in which your plants grow directly influences how they retain and absorb nutrients.
● In coco fibre, calcium and magnesium tend to bind, so supplement them.
● In live soil or peat substrates, there is more buffering capacity, but also more variability in availability.
● In hydroponic systems, everything depends on the nutrient solution, so the table should be much more precise.
Tip: Use tables specific to your growing medium and adjust the EC (electroconductivity) and target pH according to the type of crop.
3. Take climate and environment into account.
Temperature, humidity, solar radiation and ventilation affect transpiration and growth rate and thus the need for nutrients.
Examples:
● In summer, outdoor crops like tomatoes, cucumber or beans grow faster and demand more water and nutrients.
● In winter, a greenhouse lettuce crop may require less fertiliser per m².
Tip: In stressful conditions (heat, excess light, drought) reduce the nutrient concentration to avoid burns. Increase the supply only when growth justifies it.
4. Know your water quality
Before applying any nutrition schedule, analyse the water with which you are going to fertigate with. Is it hard? Does it have a high salinity? Is it alkaline?
For example, is the water high in bicarbonate?
● Water with a high bicarbonate content (high pH) can block phosphorus or iron.
● If the water already contains nitrates or calcium, you may need to reduce the supply of these nutrients in the table.
Tip: Have your water tested at least once a year if you produce intensively.
5. Adjust according to results: Don’t be afraid to correct
A table should serve as a starting point, but not as dogma. Observe your plants, take EC/pH measurements, test leaves if necessary… and adjust.
Signs that indicate that you should modify the chart:
● Chlorotic or burnt leaves.
● Uneven development.
● Small or deformed fruit.
● Accumulation of salts in the substrate.
Tip: Keep a record of the changes and how your plants respond. This way you can improve your own protocols with each cycle.
An effective fertilisation chart is not universal. Adapting it to your reality is what allows you to get the best out of each crop. Listen to your plants, know your environment, and turn any chart into a truly useful tool.
Tools and Equipment for Creating a Nutrient Schedule
To have total control over your plants’ nutrition, precision is key. The best way to control and adjust the nutrient solution is to use reliable tools that help you control what you are giving your plants, watering after watering.
Whether you water by hand or have an automatic irrigation system, here are some essential tools:
● A calibrated digital EC meter to measure electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration)
● A digital pH meter to monitor the acidity of your solution
● A printed or digital feeding chart—such as the Atami grow guides—for easy reference
These tools help you avoid guesswork and ensure that every drop you give your plants is right on target.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid with a Feeding Schedule
Even if you are measuring pH/EC levels, you can make some mistakes that can lead to nutritional imbalances. Here are three common mistakes that can hold your plants back — and how to avoid them:
1. Overfeeding or Underfeeding
It might sound obvious, but giving your plants too much or too little feed can quickly affect their health, appearance, and productivity.
Overfed plants may show signs of stress like leaf tip burn or curling.
Underfed ones often develop pale or yellowing leaves, brown spots, and weak stems.
⭐ Top Tip: Stick within recommended EC ranges and watch your plants closely. Their leaves will often be the first to tell you if something’s off.
2. Nutrient Lockout
Even if your nutrient solution is perfectly balanced, your plants might not be able to absorb it properly if the pH isn’t right. This phenomenon is called nutrient lockout, and it usually happens when the pH drifts out of the ideal range.
For most crops grown in soil, a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 works best. Outside of this range, certain nutrients become less available, leading to deficiencies.
3. Not Checking EC Levels
Your nutrient solution’s EC (electrical conductivity) tells you how concentrated it is — in other words, how much “food” you’re giving your plants. If you skip this step, it’s easy to overdo it, especially with young or sensitive plants.
A simple EC or TDS meter lets you double-check the strength before you feed. Trust us — it’s worth the 30 seconds!
Atami's Tips for a Better Feeding Schedule
A well-balanced feeding plan can make all the difference in plant growth, productivity, and quality — but it’s not just about what you feed. It’s also about how you manage the process day to day. Here are our top tips to help you stay on track:
1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guide
Every nutrient line is a bit different, so it’s always smart to follow the instructions on the label. Most fertiliser brands offer detailed grow schedules or feeding charts tailored to each stage of development.
Pro tip: Keep a printed copy near your growing area. It’ll save you time and help you avoid accidental mix-ups.
2. Start a Grow Journal
Keeping track of your feeding schedule, pH and EC readings, and how your plants respond can help you spot patterns — and avoid repeating mistakes. A simple notebook or digital log works wonders.
Over time, your grow journal becomes a personal grow guide you can refer back to season after season.
3. Observe and Adjust
No two plants (or environments) are exactly the same. That’s why it’s important to listen to your plants — not just follow the schedule blindly. If you notice signs of stress, tweak your feeding plan accordingly.
Stay alert for changes in leaf colour, growth speed, or overall vigour. These little cues can tell you a lot about what your plants need.
Now you know how important it is to follow a nutrition plan to make your crops more productive than ever.
We invite you to use one of our guides as a basis, you can find them at this link!
