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Growing from Seed

Did I use the right type of soil?

14 years ago

Hello all,

I transplanted my seedlings this past weekend. Im growing several varieties of tomatos, peppers, tomatillo, lettuce, spinach, etc. I started the seeds in peat pellets and all of the seedlings had true leaves and the roots were busting out of the pellets.

I moved them to 3" peat pots and used Jiffy seed starting mix. Is this an OK type of soil medium or should I of used potting soil? If my soil choice was poor should I redo my transplants? (I moved them to the pots 3 days ago).

Thanks for the help!

Dave

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Comments (5)

sleepy33
14 years ago
They should be fine in the Jiffy mix, but remember it has no nutrients, so you'll need to remember to fertilize.
dave0538
Original Author
14 years ago
Ah OK- I think from now on I'll use normal potting soil.

Is a diluted dosage of all-purpose Miracle grow acceptable?

Thanks again-
Dave
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sleepy33
14 years ago
Boy, I dunno; I'm sure anything, diluted enough, would work. I personally like to use a diluted fish/seaweed emulsion (well, I don't like the SMELL, but I like the product). It may just be in my head, but I like that it's organic and I feel like I have less of a chance of burning the seedlings since it's not made of chemicals. But that's just my uneducated opinion. Most things I don't fertilize too much anyway, since I can hardly keep up with potting up the seedlings that are growing like crazy already. So I mostly just use it on the slow-growing plants and the heavy feeders. I'd hesitate to use Miracle Grow, and find something geared especially for young seedlings or transplants instead. Under fertilizing is better than over fertilizing.
dave0538
Original Author
14 years ago
OK thanks for the help. I like the idea of using something organic better than chemicals as well.

Where could I find a fish/seaweed type fertilizer?
tn_veggie_gardner
14 years ago
Wait until they get a bit older, then use some Dyna Gro Foliage Pro 9-3-6. IMO, one of the best fertilizers available for any veggie plants. Start with a 1/2 strength dose at 5-6 weeks of age, then gradually work up to a full dose when about to place outdoors.

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