Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings

[Setec Astronomy]

Some of you have commented that my yellowing lower leaves may be due to nitrogen deficiency.

The last couple of years I was using an Espoma liquid fertilizer that was 1-3-1.
This year I've been using Neptune's Harvest Tomato and Veg which is 2-4-2
Espoma Tomato-Tone granular is 3-4-6.

I was thinking maybe I needed something with a little higher nitrogen, so I looked at my bag of MG--18-18-21!?!?!?!?!?!

Is this my problem, I need something with more kick? I mean, that's a lot more kick.

[Cole_Robbie]

There are other variables besides fertilizer strength. Organic fertilizers need a warmer temp range, and non organic still need good roots for uptake. If your media is too cold or wet, the roots rot, and what you see is a nitrogen deficiency, regardless of fertilizer strength. Idk if that was your problem, specifically, but my point is that it is all more complex than just the npk numbers.

[worth1]

That was the problem with my two runt peppers.
Cold soil even after a few sprinkles of 13-13-13.
I'm guessing the roots rotted away.
Now they're as happy as a clam.

[Tormahto]

Some of you have commented that my yellowing lower leaves may be due to nitrogen deficiency.

The last couple of years I was using an Espoma liquid fertilizer that was 1-3-1.
This year I've been using Neptune's Harvest Tomato and Veg which is 2-4-2
Espoma Tomato-Tone granular is 3-4-6.

I was thinking maybe I needed something with a little higher nitrogen, so I looked at my bag of MG--18-18-21!?!?!?!?!?!

Is this my problem, I need something with more kick? I mean, that's a lot more kick.

I've used MG 18-18-21.

1/4 tsp to 1 gallon of water for tiny seedlings.
1/2 tsp to 1 gallon of water when they are about half way to transplanting.

Just water by itself most of the time, the MG solution when needed.

[Setec Astronomy]

I've used MG 18-18-21.

1/4 tsp to 1 gallon of water for tiny seedlings.
1/2 tsp to 1 gallon of water when they are about half way to transplanting.

Just water by itself most of the time, the MG solution when needed.

My bag says 1 tbsp per gallon, so at 1/2 tsp you are using it at 1/3 strength. I was reading the Neptune's Harvest FAQ's and they say 1/2 strength for seeding, full strength for anything with true leaves, so I've been using it at half that recommendation. Since everyone has been telling me I'm overwatering, I want to get the feeding right this time since they are getting pretty dry...and pretty yellow.

[steve ok]

I've used MG 18-18-21.

1/4 tsp to 1 gallon of water for tiny seedlings.
1/2 tsp to 1 gallon of water when they are about half way to transplanting.

Just water by itself most of the time, the MG solution when needed.

I use dilute MG at the same rates as Tormato, but use it at every watering until plant out.

[Setec Astronomy]

I use dilute MG at the same rates as Tormato, but use it at every watering until plant out.

I think I didn't realize how mild these organic fertilizers I've been using are, and probably should have been using them more often or at full strength. The question is what should I do now, this might be my last watering before plant-out? Neptune's Harvest full strength? Or MG at 1/3 or 1/2?

[Mark_Thompson]

My bag says 1 tbsp per gallon, so at 1/2 tsp you are using it at 1/3 strength. I was reading the Neptune's Harvest FAQ's and they say 1/2 strength for seeding, full strength for anything with true leaves

3 tsp in 1 Tbsp. So looking at 1/6 strength, right?

[zeuspaul]

I have been using Dyna-Gro Grow 7-9-5 with trace elements for my seedlings with good success. I place a little of the liquid in a little jar with an eye dropper. Then about 12 drops in a 1 liter squeeze bottle with a drilled rubber stopper top and a small tube for easy watering. Dyna-Gro has several formulas, some with higher nitrogen levels.

https://dyna-gro.com/product/liquid-grow/

[Setec Astronomy]

3 tsp in 1 Tbsp. So looking at 1/6 strength, right?

Um, right...did I mention I always hated math?

PS If I dilute an 18-18-21 fertilizer 1/6--do I get a 3-3-3.5? Or is that an algebra problem?

[Setec Astronomy]

Ok, I had bought a selection of Urban Farm Fertilizers this year (the makers of Texas Tomato Food), and I emailed them. They recommended their Apples & Oranges flavor for tomatoes prior to setting fruit, and said at this stage of growth I should use it full strength. So I did it. I'll let you know in a few days how things look.