When and how much to fertilize

15 years ago

I've searched for an answer but didn't really find what I was looking for.

When do I start fertilizing my seedlings? How much and how often?

I've read that I should use a diluted fertilizer, but I couldn't really find out when I should start fertilizing. And then how often do I fertilize them?

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

organicpepper_grower
15 years ago
When my seedling are a couple weeks old I start fertilizing with it diluted 50%. Over time going to the mixing directions on the container. You only really need to fertilize 1 week on 3 off, thats what I do anyway. But I stop fertilizing when flowers set.
dvdgzmn
15 years ago
You will probably get 100 different opinions, but if by seedlings you mean grown in pots for transplanting, I don't fertilize at all, which for peppers and tomatoes means about 4-6 weeks from starting the seeds. Maybe some dilute fish emulsion after they have 2 or 3 sets of true leaves, but no more. The generally accepted wisdom is too much nitrogen and you get lots of leaf and not enough root.
Related Discussions
Fertilization rate of Sweet Corn
Q
Comments (13)
The Gurilla method is just go ahead and sprinkle lightly some all purpose ferilizer (10-10-10; 15-15-15- etc). Other method is to have your soil tested. Yet the other method comes from your observation and experienc. How other plants are doing, or have been doing? About NPK N= nitrogen will manifest itself in plants color and vigour. Too much "N" can burn and/or may prevent plants from flowering and bearing fruits. "N" - cannot attach itself to soil, as it is water-soluable and excess of it will leach down. Therefore the "N" should be supplied and appied continually, gradually as needed. P= Phosphorus, attaches itself to soil and stays there. So then it is not necessar to apply more of it if your soil is already rich in "P". But fortunately, there is no TOO MUCH phosphorus. Since it has no bad side effect. K = Potasium/potash: It is semi-durant. That means, it can go down with water little by little but not as fast as N. So then you have to replenish it more often than P. Like P, K does not have bad side effects either(generally). Your plants will use P and K as needed. But watch out for N; It can be deadly (grin)since it is force-fed into plants.
...See More
Plugged St. Augustine. . .when/how much to fertilize?
Q
Comments (3)
Water it 3x per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for 15 minutes each time. Do that for 2 weeks to keep the roots moistened. Then start to back off. Water once every other day for 30 minutes for several days. Then see if it will go to 3 days with 30 minutes. If it wilts early, water it longer - not more frequently. Where you are going is to water it once a week to let the soil surface dry out between watering. And mow at your mower's highest setting. Don't worry about fertilizing. Even if your grass turns bright yellow, work on getting the grass established by watering and mowing high. If you really want to fertilize without having to guess as to amounts and overdosing, then try an organic fertilizer. You cannot make a mistake with those. Early/late, too much/too little - none of that makes any difference.
...See More
Please share about your indoor avocado tree(s)
Q
Comments (2)
Hello Aaron, I'm very new to avocados- have just had one for about six months. I primarily grow plumeria and citrus, but have just one dwarf Fuerte avocado. Have a 16' x 16' indoor greenhouse which has 8 T5HO 4 foot lights. I also have some additional LED lights for the avocado and citrus trees. I live in a wet, cold and very grey year round climate, so everything stays indoors in the greenhouse. My avocado is 4 feet tall and in a 5 gallon container. It's in a 5:1:1 soil (5 parts Repti-bark, 1 part perlite and 1 part Miracle grow potting soil). I water approximately every 5 days about 8 cups water. Fertilizer is a half dose of Osmocote, and then 1/2 dose of Foliage Pro and Pro-Tekt every other week. I bought the tree from Four Winds. It looked terrific when I bought it but within a month leaves dropped and turned brown. Now it looks beautiful again- lots of green healthy leaves popping. I'm out of town at the moment but will post a pic when I get home. Best wishes. Nancy
...See More
How to thicken Thuja occidentalis/white cedars?
Q
Comments (32)
@ Bill_minn_3b I had a feeling someone was going to tell me that but I had to ask anyways because the emerald cedars look so lush and healthy unlike the white cedars I have lol ;) The patch of land where the shrubs/trees are is partially owned by neighbour so it's not a simple matter of me clearing everything. Plus I don't like taking down healthy mature trees unless they're diseased. My main reason for having hedges there is to block the view of my neighbour's backyard/property all year round. Between May-Oct it's not a problem, it's actually quite nice when there's green foliage, which blocks the view but between Nov-Apr I see all the junk in my neighbour's backyard from my living room. I've been trying desperately to find a reasonable resolution but doesn't seem like there's one so I just have accept this is how it will be.
...See More
baygrower
15 years ago
I have had good results with kelp extract spritzed on leaves weekly and root feeding 50% of recomended every three weeks.I use four inch pots and start with fish emulsion during the two weeks of hardening off in sunlight- prior to planting in garden.I too would not add nitrogen until last few weeks before going in garden,real waste to have root bound plants when starting from seed.
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
15 years ago
I added a tiny amount of osmocote to my potting mix. My plants will be indoors for the next two months or so, and I want to keep them as compact as possible.

Josh
mister_al
15 years ago
When I plant my seeds I water them with a solution of Miracle-Gro 15-30-15 mixed at the rate of 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. I use the same type solution to water them every time they need watering until they are planted outside. So far (4-5 years), it has worked out very well for my plants and I can't remember having any problems because of using it.

You do need to let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings, though, to help them to grow a healthy root system.

Alan

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)

By Matt Kilburn

Quit shelling out for pricey substitutes that aren’t even as good. Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load

Full Story

112

GARDENING GUIDES Weed War: When and How to Use Chemical Herbicides

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Before you spray, arm yourself with knowledge about which weed killers — natural or synthetic — are right for your yard

Full Story

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Switch to an Organic Landscape Plan

By Falon Mihalic

Ditch the chemicals for a naturally beautiful lawn and garden, using living fertilizers and other nontoxic treatments

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Common Myths That May Be Hurting Your Garden

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Discover the truth about fertilizer, soil, staking and more to keep your plants healthy and happy

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Prairie Wildflowers That Can Heal Your Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get free, organic soil fertilizer with nitrogen-pumping plants that draw pollinators too

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Southwest Gardener's February Checklist

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Orange you glad for a citrus-fertilizing reminder? And don't forget the recommended doses of vegetable seeds and cold-hardy flowers

Full Story

REGIONAL GARDEN GUIDES Southeast Gardener's September Checklist

By Gardening with Confidence®

Fertilize strawberries, plant a tree or two and beckon hummingbirds to your Southern garden this month

Full Story

When and how much to fertilize

Comments (5)

organicpepper_grower

dvdgzmn

Related Discussions

baygrower

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a

mister_al

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US