help w/fertilizing seedlings!

11 years ago

Yes I've read about fertilizing seedlings, when to do so etc. I know it's old enough that it could be fertilized and it wouldn't hurt it.

It has it's cotelydons and two true leaves; the bud of the 3rd true leaf is just starting to come in (very little, not even really a leaf yet)

The fertilizer I have is also specifically designed for seedlings. You mix about 1/4 t (small seedlings....cabbage, broccoli etc.) w/1 gallon water; for large seedlings (pumpkins, cukes, melons etc.) you use 1/2 t w/1 gallon water.

The seedling is healthy, but it's not a vibrant, dark green; it's a yellow-green. Should I fertilize it? Also when I fertilize, do I then water it with pure water after fertilizing?

Or, since it's a diluted fertilizer specifically designed for seedlings, would I just use the fertilizer liquid in place of water? The pumpkin seedlings are in a 3" peat pot with a hole in the bottom for irrigation, that's why I'm asking about whether I should 'flush out' the fertilizer, or just use the fertilizer liquid in place of water.

Comments (2)

morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
Mix your fertilizer into the water, then use that to water your seedlings just as you would use plain water. You don't want to flush what you've provided out and make it unavailable to the roots, you want them to 'drink' it....and I'm sure there is a better way of wording that but it's been a very long day now :)

I use an all purpose fertilizer formulated to be mixed with water when I water seed pots, but i dilute it to approx 1/4 the package directions, increasing that for more mature plants to about 1/2 strength but rarely full strength for anything. If your product states it is specifically for seed trays and flats, it may be fine used according to the package measurements - however, be aware most fertilizer products come with directions for using more than is necessary.
RolandClose
11 years ago
Great posts and follow up information. I am constantly taking notes. Thanks to everyone for their input in the forums I visit.

Container vegetable gardening 365 days a year in Zone 9B
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