“Anyone have a good recommendation for an inexpensive fertilizer for tomatoes and peppers?”
Choose any fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium, organic or everyday.
N-P-K ratios on the package label for tomatoes/peppers should look something like: 8-32-16 or 6-24-24. LOW First Number, HIGH Second Number, 3rd number doesn’t matter all that much in this case.
You want little to no more nitrogen (first number) than is already in the soil or added during natural rain, or you’ll get a lot of leaves and big plants, but little fruiting.
And don’t forget the CALCIUM to prevent Blossom End Rot. I use a generous scoop of Bone Meal in the planting hole, and then a top dressing watered in when the plant is flowering/setting fruit.
Try the Espoma brand or Jack’s brand or Jobe’s Organics. They all make specific fertilizer for tomatoes, which is also fine for peppers, eggplant and summer squash.
I have used all of the above based upon which bags were accidentally broken by customers, staff or crazy Stock Boys in my Garden Center through the years. ;)
I have come to trust advice from Morning Chores, too:
https://morningchores.com/best-fertilizer-for-tomatoes/
Thank you. I know you have that post “at the ready” Diana.....I will check out the Morning Chores.....basically looking for brand name advice for cheapo stuff.