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Jasper, Indiana

How soon does everyone fertilize after the seedling emerges? I use seed starting mix with no fertilizer added and will need to add something to help the seedlings grow.

Is liquid fertilizer 10-10-10 at half strength a good option?

4/9/2012 8:41:12 AM

Hamilton Nj

i use a light solution of seawed and fish emolshin 10-1-1 alaska fish or neptunes harvest after there about 6 inches tall or 3-4 weeks old ,and always use half solution till there a foot tall then i give it to them every week or 10 days,lol pizza

4/9/2012 6:20:22 PM

East Carbon, Utah

My process is similar to Pete's. I also start with sterile medium in 288 plug trays (growing thousands this year...). At about 10 days along, I repot into larger (mostly 3-1/2") pots and water in thoroughly with a solution of seaweed extract (1/2 strength), fish emulsion (1/4 strength), sea salts (1/5 strength), and willow bark "tea".

I add slow release organic fertilizer, Azomite and bone meal to my potting mix for larger seedlings, so I generally don't need a second fertilizer application before the seedlings are ready for the garden.

If you go with inorganic fertilizer, I think half strength might be pushing it a bit for tender young seedlings. As long as you don't leave them soaking in the solution, you'll probably be ok at that rate.

4/11/2012 6:12:32 AM

Jasper, Indiana

The seedlings are starting their 2nd true leaves so I will try the weak seaweed and fish emulsions.

Thanks for the replies

4/11/2012 10:35:02 AM

Joliet, IL

I use a 10-10-10 at half strength for household potted plants. They will usually have recommended dosage for garden or household potted plants. My 10-10-10 is 1 tsp per gallon for household potted plants so I use a half teaspoon per gallon and give them the first dose when signs of first true leaf appear. No problems so far for the last 3 years with this method and tomatoes started in sterile seed starter mix. After I transplant into 5" peat pots with good potting soil from a hydroponic store, no ferts needed.

4/11/2012 12:26:47 PM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

How much seaweed solution and fish emulsion would you add to a quart of water. Maybe a tablespoon each?

5/1/2012 7:13:10 AM