This time-tested method from grandma’s day is still popular with experienced gardeners. It combines two things tomatoes love: a quick supply of nutrients for lush growth and natural protection against the dreaded late blight (Phytophthora infestans).

The trick is to use yeast in combination with iodine and milk.

Here you’ll find the exact instructions and an explanation of why this method works so well.

🛑 Step 1: Yeast Bomb for Fast Growth
Yeast is rich in B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. It also activates beneficial bacteria in the soil that help the tomato roots absorb nutrients more effectively. The result is strong stems and rapid growth.

Here’s how to prepare yeast fertilizer: Crumble 100 g of fresh yeast (about 2.5 cubes) into a bucket containing 3 liters of warm water (not hot, so the yeast doesn’t die). Add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix everything well and let the mixture ferment (foam) for 24 hours in a warm place. Then dilute the concentrate: Add 1 liter of the yeast mixture to 10 liters of clean, stale water. Water the tomato plants directly at the roots every 14 days (about 1 liter per plant).

🛡️ Step 2: Milk and Iodine – Protection Against Powdery Mildew

While the yeast promotes plant growth, you need to protect the leaves from powdery mildew. Here, the tried-and-tested combination of milk and commercially available iodine from the pharmacy comes into play.