The Classic Vegetable Garden Formula

Best Garden & Tomato Fertilizer (10-10-10): The Balanced All-Purpose Formula for Vegetable Gardens Buy on Old Cobblers Farm

The do-everything vegetable garden fertilizer. Balanced 10-10-10 feeds tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, and every crop in your garden with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — no guesswork, reliable results.

Updated April 2026 2 Products Compared By the Old Cobblers Farm Team

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Garden & Tomato Fertilizer

by Conventional Fertilizer — Littleton, NH

10-10-10
N-P-K Ratio
"The most versatile vegetable garden fertilizer in the Wicked Growth lineup. Balanced NPK at extension-recommended rates handles everything from tomato transplants to mid-season squash to fall brassicas in a single bag."
10-10-10
Balanced NPK
53
Tomato Plants / 5 lb bag
250 ft²
Max Broadcast Coverage
4 Sizes
5, 10, 15, 20 lbs
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Tomato-Proven Formula

10-10-10 is the extension-recommended starting point for tomatoes. Balanced nutrition supports vine growth, flower set, and fruit development without overemphasizing any single nutrient.

🌶️

Works Across the Entire Garden

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, beans, greens — one formula and one application rate for every vegetable in your garden.

📏

Per-Plant & Per-Bed Rates

1.5 tablespoons per tomato plant for side-dressing, or 2–3 lbs per 100 sq ft for broadcast. Flexible dosing for any garden layout.

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53 Tomato Plants Per Bag

At 1.5 tbsp per plant, one 5 lb bag side-dresses approximately 53 tomato plants per application. For beds, covers 170–250 sq ft.

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3-Phase Feeding Program

Apply at planting, side-dress when first flowers appear, and top-dress again when fruit starts sizing. Three feeds carry the garden from transplant to harvest.

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Beginner-Friendly

No complicated NPK ratios to decode. 10-10-10 is the universal vegetable garden recommendation — apply at label rates and let the plants do the rest.

Container & Raised Bed Compatible

Same rates work in containers, grow bags, and raised beds. Side-dress around the base of each plant and water in for immediate availability.

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Trusted by 20,000+ Growers

Developed in Littleton, New Hampshire. Sold nationwide on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and theoldcobblersfarm.com.

NPK Ratio10-10-10
Item FormGranular
Coverage170–250 sq ft (broadcast) | ~53 tomato plants per 5 lb bag
CategoryConventional Fertilizer
TypeFlower & Garden
Sizes5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb
NPK10-10-10
Nitrogen10%
Phosphorus10% available phosphate
Potassium10% soluble potash
FormGranular
Rate1.5 tbsp / plant or 2–3 lbs / 100 sq ft
MethodBroadcast or side-dress
Frequency2–3x per season
Sizes5, 10, 15, 20 lb bags
Best ForTomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, all garden vegetables
What We Love
Extension-recommended 10-10-10 for vegetable gardens
One bag feeds every crop in the garden — no multiple products needed
Per-plant and per-bed rates for flexible application
53 tomato plants per bag at side-dress rate
Beginner-friendly with reliable, predictable results
Worth Noting
Balanced ratio — fruiting-heavy crops may benefit from higher K (see 10-5-13)
Granular only — no liquid option for foliar feeding
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb
Feature Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Garden & Tomato Fertilizer Old Cobblers Farm Espoma Organic Garden-Tone 3-4-4 Espoma Espoma Organic Garden-Tone 3-4-4 Espoma
NPK 10-10-10 3-4-4 3-4-4
Form Granular Granular Granular
Coverage 170–250 sq ft (broadcast) | ~53 tomato plants per 5 lb bag Not listed Not listed
Price / Size 5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb $16.78 (4 lb) / $22.99 (2-pack 8 lb) $16.78 (4 lb) / $22.99 (2-pack 8 lb)
Our Take The most versatile vegetable garden fertilizer in the Wicked Growth... Strongest review profile in category. OMRI certified. Microbial package. But NOT potato-specific — 3-4-4 is too mild, requires monthly reapplication. Strongest review profile in category. OMRI certified. Microbial package. But NOT potato-specific — 3-4-4 is too mild, requires monthly reapplication.
The Competition

Espoma Organic Garden-Tone 3-4-4

by Espoma — Millville, NJ
3-4-4
N-P-K
FormGranular
Sizes4 lb | 18 lb | multi-packs
Price$16.78 (4 lb) / $22.99 (2-pack 8 lb)
Per Unit$0.26/oz
IngredientsFeather meal, poultry manure, bone meal, alfalfa meal, greensand, sulfate of potash, sulfate of potash magnesia
OrganicYes — OMRI registered organic input
App. RateMonthly — apply around drip line
CoverageNot listed
Best ForLettuce, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons (general vegetable)
ClaimsBio-tone microbial formula; no sludges or toxic ingredients; Made in USA since 1929; 5% calcium
Strongest review profile in category. OMRI certified. Microbial package. But NOT potato-specific — 3-4-4 is too mild, requires monthly reapplication.

Espoma Organic Garden-Tone 3-4-4

by Espoma — Millville, NJ
3-4-4
N-P-K
FormGranular
Sizes4 lb | 18 lb | multi-packs
Price$16.78 (4 lb) / $22.99 (2-pack 8 lb)
Per Unit$0.26/oz
IngredientsFeather meal, poultry manure, bone meal, alfalfa meal, greensand, sulfate of potash, sulfate of potash magnesia
OrganicYes — OMRI registered organic input
App. RateMonthly — apply around drip line
CoverageNot listed
Best ForLettuce, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons (general vegetable)
ClaimsBio-tone microbial formula; no sludges or toxic ingredients; Made in USA since 1929; 5% calcium
Strongest review profile in category. OMRI certified. Microbial package. But NOT potato-specific — 3-4-4 is too mild, requires monthly reapplication.

🍅

Tomato-Proven Formula

10-10-10 is the extension-recommended starting point for tomatoes. Balanced nutrition supports vine growth, flower set, and fruit development without overemphasizing any single nutrient.

🌶️

Works Across the Entire Garden

Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, beans, greens — one formula and one application rate for every vegetable in your garden.

📏

Per-Plant & Per-Bed Rates

1.5 tablespoons per tomato plant for side-dressing, or 2–3 lbs per 100 sq ft for broadcast. Flexible dosing for any garden layout.

📦

53 Tomato Plants Per Bag

At 1.5 tbsp per plant, one 5 lb bag side-dresses approximately 53 tomato plants per application. For beds, covers 170–250 sq ft.

Common Questions