Diluted Fertilizer for Seedlings?

luigiwu · March 25, 2014

The leaves on my kale babies are looking a little yellow. I know I've read some pple who dilute (Miracle Gro?) in water but I can't seem to find the post talking about the ratios/recipe. I've just potted up ALL my tomatoes too so I want to give the the best start at life!

I have the blue granular Miracle Gro stuff and also FloraNova Gro fertilizer.
Thanks!

**mdvpc** · March 25, 2014

I use FloraNova Grow, not only for what you are asking, but also planting. Since its a 7-4-10 with micros, its perfect for about everything, including Kale. For Kale seedlings, I might try a 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon, and see how that does. I don't use the blue stuff.

JamesL · March 25, 2014

Luigiwu,
I agree with Michael.
For Toms, 1/4 strength of whatever brand you are using once you see true leaves formed.
You can raise that amount later once they start gaining some size.
I don't grow kale but use that same amount for cukes, peas etc.
Less is better early on so you don't burn them.

**mdvpc** · March 25, 2014

I can't remember the dilution rate on the product, its at my son's house where I have 4 raised beds now-so maybe go 1/8 teaspoon to see how that works.

Cole_Robbie · March 27, 2014

A ppm meter would be the most precise way to measure, as well as help in researching your question. If you use one, remember to check the ppm of the water before you mix in the fertilizer, my tap water is 200 or so. 200 ppm of fertilizer in tap water for me would read 400 ppm.

Or just use fish fertilizer. It's easy

guruofgardens · March 27, 2014

"Less is better early on so you don't burn them." Thank you, James.

I just started with quarter strength of something new to me this year - seaweed and kelp. The peppers love it. Tomatoes just sprouted so they'll get their food in another week or so.

Even when they're in the ground I use half strength once a week until they flower - then it's close to full.

March 25, 2014	#1
luigiwu Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ny Posts: 1,219	Diluted Fertilizer for Seedlings? The leaves on my kale babies are looking a little yellow. I know I've read some pple who dilute (Miracle Gro?) in water but I can't seem to find the post talking about the ratios/recipe. I've just potted up ALL my tomatoes too so I want to give the the best start at life! I have the blue granular Miracle Gro stuff and also FloraNova Gro fertilizer. Thanks!

March 25, 2014	#2
mdvpc Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 4,386	I use FloraNova Grow, not only for what you are asking, but also planting. Since its a 7-4-10 with micros, its perfect for about everything, including Kale. For Kale seedlings, I might try a 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon, and see how that does. I don't use the blue stuff. __________________ Michael

March 25, 2014	#4
mdvpc Tomatoville® Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 4,386	I can't remember the dilution rate on the product, its at my son's house where I have 4 raised beds now-so maybe go 1/8 teaspoon to see how that works. __________________ Michael

March 25, 2014	#3
JamesL Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 1,992	Luigiwu, I agree with Michael. For Toms, 1/4 strength of whatever brand you are using once you see true leaves formed. You can raise that amount later once they start gaining some size. I don't grow kale but use that same amount for cukes, peas etc. Less is better early on so you don't burn them.

March 27, 2014	#5
Cole_Robbie Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois, zone 6 Posts: 8,407	A ppm meter would be the most precise way to measure, as well as help in researching your question. If you use one, remember to check the ppm of the water before you mix in the fertilizer, my tap water is 200 or so. 200 ppm of fertilizer in tap water for me would read 400 ppm. Or just use fish fertilizer. It's easy

March 27, 2014	#6
guruofgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2008 Location: zone 5 Colorado Posts: 942	"Less is better early on so you don't burn them." Thank you, James. I just started with quarter strength of something new to me this year - seaweed and kelp. The peppers love it. Tomatoes just sprouted so they'll get their food in another week or so. Even when they're in the ground I use half strength once a week until they flower - then it's close to full.