Propagation: Coconut coir stunted growth, yellow seedlings??, 1 by Toots1214

Toots1214 wrote:
Trying to be environmentally conscious this year I decided to try coir as my medium for seed germination and growing on. Everything germinated well and they are growing on with their second and third set of leaves and there is no yellowing. However, I find that the plants are spindly and unable to stand up without support. I realize that coir has no nutrients in it, so I use a very diluted fertilizer each time I water. I think that before these seedling get any bigger, I am going to attempt to transplant them into a standard growing medium mixed with the coir from the pots. I just do not think coir is enough on it's own to grown on seedlings. I have tried strengthening the stems by using a fan to circulate air in the room (to simulate breeze) but it is not helping. The one good thing I can say about the coir is that there has been absolutely no dampening off. Next year I think I will try using a combination of coir and a regular potting medium. I have too much invested to run the risk of losing my seedling crop.