Seedlings N a seed starter mix! ? about nutes.

the2happyhippies

Active Member
I am planting my germinated seeds n a seed starter mix (Plantation Seed Starter Mix) in a few days. It doesnt say anything about nutrients. (Npk)

Should I just grow with good light and soil for a week or so before transplaning, and should I add any nitrogen or nutrients..
I am starting them in inchxinch starter cells..

This is first grow so we need alittle help.

Peace:peace::peace::peace::peace:
 

Cyphen

Well-Known Member
NO NUTRIENTS!!!

Wait until the first round leaves die after the true leaves form. Then start with a 1/8-1/4 strength veg formula every second or third watering.
Fertilize any earlier and you're just setting yourself up for nute burn and an early death.
 

the2happyhippies

Active Member
ALSOO!!!

Wut leaves u talkn bout the first set when it sprouts..
the round or rigged ones..

And wut bout watering once they sprout, TOTALLY NEW at this. lol

And once they sprout does that mean they hav entered veg state..?
 

wonta

Active Member
I would not recommed that plantation starter mix, dosn't have enough water retention properties, as soon as seeds are planted and allowed to sit for a couple hours soil is already half way dry.

You would have been better off spending $1 more and getting the miracle grow seed starting mix.
 

Cyphen

Well-Known Member
The serrated leaves mark the start of the vegetative stage (informally, for me anyway.. The whole thing is more of a gradual slide than a sudden transformation.)

The small round leaves are called cotyledons. They are not actually leaves but leaf-like nutrient reserves that fuel the development of the seedling. Once these have been depleted, they'll wither and die (maybe that's a better end point for the seedling stage. By this time the first true leaves will be strong and healthy and your plant will be ready for light fertilizing. Start as minimally as you can so you don't overload the plant. 1/16 or even 1/32 strength would be even safer, much better to be conservative here, at this point nutes are not necessary, and could be harmful if you're overzealous. As the plant grows, gradually increase the ratio. Find some good picture of nute burn and learn what it looks like. Watch your plants carefully, and as soon as you see any signs of it, skip a fertilizing and scale back to a known safe amount, unless it's real bad, (which it won't be of course, because you've been increasing their nutrient ratios in slow, small increments) then you may have to flush some out.

As for watering, just make sure the soil dries out between each watering. This is another situation where you have to be seeing your plants every day, and become familiar with the individualities of each. Again, find good pictures of overwatered and underwatered plants to have some idea what you're looking for.

You can also get a moisture meter, or just lift the pot when dry and again when saturated. Check the weight whenever you check them, and if they feel light, probably a good time to water. Every 2-3 days is what you'll probably end up doing, but don't fall into the trap of watering by the schedule without input from the plants.
 

sTOKEd

Well-Known Member
yes, add around 25% perlite to your soil mix - it also has excellent oxygen retention which promotes root growth.
 

the2happyhippies

Active Member
As soon as my plants sprout I am putting them in starter cells that r inchxinch an 2 inches deep,, How long should I keep my seedings n ther b4 I move them to a bigger pot/ I plan on changing the pot againwhen I enter flowerinng stage.
 

wonta

Active Member
I would say as soon as you can see the roots through the drainage holes they have out grown those pots, and it is time for a transplant.
 
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