When do you first apply fert??

gssgarden · March 11, 2012

When seedlings are still together in flats?
First pot-up?
Just after pot-up?

Started to pot-up a few last night and don't want to burn their little feet!

Will use fish emulsion at 1/4 strength.

thanks,

Greg

dokutaaguriin · March 11, 2012

After the first true leaves appear.

Jeff

rxkeith · March 11, 2012

very seldom, usually when they are larger, and getting close to plant out.
fertilize at 1/4 strength. over do it and they grow too fast. under indoor lights that will increase legginess.

keith

ContainerTed · March 11, 2012

Since the nitrogen ion is associated with germination, I usually spray a dilute "nitrogen only" solution on the seeds as they are sewn into the mix. It kinda gives them a head start. The concentrate I use is Miracle Grow Organic (in the burnt orange container) and is from sea weed (I think).

I also put some "BioTone" into the mix (not much) and they get some Tomato Tone at first pot up. I always trust that the plant will take what it feels it needs if you don't overwhelm it. But I don't know how all the seeds were raised and what deficiencies they may or may not have had during their development. So, I play the safe side and make some nitrogen and other goodies available right from the start and then some micro-nutrients at first pot-up.

I don't know if it's technically correct, but it makes me feel better and the plants seem to love it.

dice · March 16, 2012

I mix worm castings or a pinch of some organic, balanced, granular
fertilizer into the seedling mix when potting up. I also water them then
with a molasses+kelp solution. (I have watered them in with lots of
different things, but that is what I am using now.) So that is their first
fertilizer. They usually have two true leaves by then.

b54red · March 16, 2012

I use dilute Miracle Grow usually after the first true leaves start showing if it appears they need a little boost.

March 11, 2012	#1
gssgarden Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N.C. Posts: 1,827	When do you first apply fert?? When seedlings are still together in flats? First pot-up? Just after pot-up? Started to pot-up a few last night and don't want to burn their little feet! Will use fish emulsion at 1/4 strength. thanks, Greg

March 11, 2012	#4
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	Since the nitrogen ion is associated with germination, I usually spray a dilute "nitrogen only" solution on the seeds as they are sewn into the mix. It kinda gives them a head start. The concentrate I use is Miracle Grow Organic (in the burnt orange container) and is from sea weed (I think). I also put some "BioTone" into the mix (not much) and they get some Tomato Tone at first pot up. I always trust that the plant will take what it feels it needs if you don't overwhelm it. But I don't know how all the seeds were raised and what deficiencies they may or may not have had during their development. So, I play the safe side and make some nitrogen and other goodies available right from the start and then some micro-nutrients at first pot-up. I don't know if it's technically correct, but it makes me feel better and the plants seem to love it. __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

March 16, 2012	#5
dice Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: PNW Posts: 4,743	I mix worm castings or a pinch of some organic, balanced, granular fertilizer into the seedling mix when potting up. I also water them then with a molasses+kelp solution. (I have watered them in with lots of different things, but that is what I am using now.) So that is their first fertilizer. They usually have two true leaves by then. __________________ -- alias

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March 11, 2012	#2
dokutaaguriin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Z3a Posts: 905	After the first true leaves appear. Jeff

March 11, 2012	#3
rxkeith Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Back in da U.P. Posts: 1,848	very seldom, usually when they are larger, and getting close to plant out. fertilize at 1/4 strength. over do it and they grow too fast. under indoor lights that will increase legginess. keith

March 16, 2012	#6
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	I use dilute Miracle Grow usually after the first true leaves start showing if it appears they need a little boost.