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Macomb County

It can be hard to see the forest for the trees when you’re new to growing. But an important concept about fertilizing is all fertilizers contain salts. Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Cadmium, Lithium, etc. Which draw water to themselves.
    In high concentrations around a plant’s roots, they hold water back and the plant is stunted and produces smaller fruit. Like it’s being grown in drought conditions.
    Be careful as you start your seeds. More seedlings are stunted and killed because a grower couldn’t resist the urge to give them a shot of fert to kick-start them. If you’ve amended your patch, try not giving your plants anything for 2 weeks after you transplant them.

4/15/2010 9:25:24 PM

Pataskala,OH

Dr. Liggett fertilizes his seedlings with a weak dose of Plantex 10-52-10 after the seedling sprouts and the leaves open up and at planting. He gave me some 10-52-10 and it seems that seedlings like it from past experience. The fertilizer is low salt I think.

4/16/2010 8:28:56 AM

Macomb County

I should have mentioned about the 3rd true leaf stage, you do want to give your seedlings a very weak watering with something. Just fight the urge to keep fertilizing your seedlings. Especially the urge to give them that one strong shot of fert to kick-start them.

Many growers give their plants a weak dose of fert
or compost tea at planting. The high P formula you mention and especially at weak strength makes it a low salt fert. I've just found it's not necessary in a well ammended patch, but I am going to try a little blood meal per the advice of a top grower. It's salts like P, especially when your plants are young, you don't want to give them much of.

4/16/2010 10:10:41 AM

Sacramento, Ca

Now you tell me...lol, see post above this one!

4/16/2010 9:21:59 PM

Ct

Would a weak dose of seaweed and fish mixed in water harm the seedlings? I hope not because I've already done it :}

5/4/2010 3:06:59 PM