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Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 11:05 am
by 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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 1:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 2:14 pm
by 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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:25 pm
by Tormahto
Setec Astronomy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 11:05 am
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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:31 pm
by Setec Astronomy
Tormato wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:25 pmI'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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:30 pm
by steve ok
Tormato wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:25 pm
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.
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:59 pm
by Setec Astronomy
steve ok wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:30 pm
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?
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:22 am
by Mark_Thompson
Setec Astronomy wrote: ↑Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:31 pm
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?
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:02 am
by 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/
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 5:40 am
by Setec Astronomy
Mark_Thompson wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:22 am3 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?
Re: Liquid Fertilizers for Seedlings
Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2022 2:45 pm
by 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.