May we ask, are you growing in the ground or in containers? If using containers, what type potting soil are you using?
( ie one with fertilizer in it or not?)

Hi Julie, thanks for using Ask Extension.

Before choosing a fertilizer, it’s important to note that without a soil test it’s difficult to know exactly what nutrients your soil may be lacking. Tomatoes are especially sensitive to potassium (K) shortages, which can cause poor fruit set, uneven ripening, and leaf‑edge yellowing. A soil test is the only way to confirm whether potassium is adequate.

In Kalamazoo County, most garden soils are naturally sandy loam to loamy sand, which drain quickly and often become dry and loose on top, just as you described. These soils commonly have:

• Low to moderate organic matter

• Low to moderate potassium (K)

• Adequate to high phosphorus (P)

• Low cation exchange capacity (CEC), meaning nutrients—especially potassium—can leach easily

Because of this, a fertilizer with moderate nitrogen and good potassium, but low phosphorus, is usually the safest choice unless a soil test shows otherwise.

Good options include tomato fertilizers with ratios like 3‑1‑5, 4‑1‑6, or 5‑2‑8. These support fruiting without adding unnecessary phosphorus.

Check out the following links:

tomatoes.pdf

Home | MSU Soil Test

Growing tomatoes in home gardens | UMN Extension

I hope this is helpful.

Hi Julie,

Not sure what happened, but there may have been a glitch in the system.  I sent a reply to your original question on June 3   I apologize if you did not receive it.

Let's move on to your question of weed killers.  Weeds can be a real problem, in the vegetable garden, they share pests and diseases, steal nutrients and are unpleasant to work around.  The best chemical weed controls are selective but can be complex, hard to find, and expensive for homeowners. Identifying the weed can help in determining the best control. 

grassy weeds

Physical tools such as a stirrup hoe, collinear hoe, or hand weeder are very effective on young grasses. Mulch in the paths also helps reduce new seedlings.

If you choose a herbicide, look for selective grass‑only active ingredients such as:

● sethoxydim

● clethodim

These are commonly recommended in university Extension programs for grassy weeds in vegetable gardens. They are selective for grasses and are relatively safe around many broadleaf vegetables when the label is followed carefully.

Broadleaf Weeds

Inside the vegetable bed, broadleaf weeds are best managed with hand removal, hoes, and mulch, because most broadleaf herbicides will also injure vegetables.

For spot‑treating between rows, in paths, or along the fence line, you can use non‑selective contact herbicide active ingredients such as:

● Pelargonic acid

● iron HEDTA (FeHEDTA)

● acetic acid (vinegar‑based herbicides)

These have very short soil activity but will damage vegetable foliage if contacted.

Avoid broadleaf herbicide actives such as 2,4‑D, dicamba, or triclopyr near vegetable beds, as even small amounts of drift can cause injury.

Overspray warning: Avoid overspray and drift—any contact with vegetable foliage can cause injury. Apply on calm days, keep the nozzle low, and use a spray shield when needed.

As with all pesticides always wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as specified on the label. Avoid overspray and drift. any contact with vegetable foliage can cause injury. Apply on calm days, keep the nozzle low, and use a spray shield when needed.

Always read and follow the label IT IS THE LAW!

Fertilizers 

Many Kalamazoo‑area soils are loam to sandy‑loam and often already contain adequate phosphorus, while potassium can be low to moderate. A soil test is the best way to fine‑tune fertilizer choices for your garden.

Without a soil test, fertilizers with moderate nitrogen, lower phosphorus, and good potassium support fruiting crops like tomatoes. Commonly used ratios include:

● 3‑1‑5

● 4‑1‑6

● 5‑2‑8

Apply according to the label and adjust based on plant growth and soil moisture.

Check out the following links

Home | MSU Soil Test

Controlling Grasses in Home Gardens | Candler-Evans Ag Updates

How to Manage Perennial Broadleaf Weeds in the Garden and Lawn | Yard and Garden

What herbicides can I use in the vegetable garden? | Yard and Garden

Demystifying fertilizer labels for home gardeners - Gardening in Michigan

I hope this helps.