some really dumb questions about fertilizing......

[aimeruni]

NOTE: I have experience growing tomatoes, but it's only from seed, and directly sown where they're to grow. This is my first time growing tomatoes from transplant seedlings.

How soon after tomato seedlings have been transplanted can they be fertilized? I just transplanted some slicers, cherry tomatoes, and romas on May 31st.

The plants are about 4-6 weeks old. When I do fertilize them, can I use a full strength fertilizer, or should I use a diluted version?
If so, how weak should it be (50% of normal strength, 25% of normal strength, etc.)

They aren't really really tiny seedlings, but they're still young.
Their height ranges from about 4"-6" with the smallest ones, the older ones are about 8"-10" tall.

[Tom Akers]

I wait to fertilize until I see new top growth, usually about a week to 10 days. 1st shot is usually about 1 teaspoon of 15-15-15 or 10-10-10 carefully AROUND each plant, if they are really small I use a little less. Once every week to 10 days another shot gradually increasing to a tablespoon MAX. When I get flowers I switch to 12-24-12 or 10-20-10 for a few times and that's it.
Or you could use something like Tomato Tone and just follow the instructions. I used this last year with very good results. I have no affiliation with TT, I just like the product.
JMO,
Tom

[jcm05]

Yes, wait til they start to take off growing which may not be until the soil warms up. At that you should be able to use the product at full strength.

[tucsontomato]

My advice- start small.

If growth after 2 weeks is not what it should be, then fertilize. You can always add more fertilizer but it is really tough to remove fertilizer once its in the soil! Just the right amount of fertilizer is the target. However, too much can cause leaf burn and leave the plant susceptible to disease.