Over-fertilized seedlings?

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befulina Northfield, MN May 02, 2008

Hi-
While I've gardened a lot, this is the first year I've had the space and sunlight to grow vegetables. I started several varieties from seed this year, and most have done very well. However, my Brandywine tomatoes, my basil, and some of my lettuces have gotten a very white tint to the cotyledons and look a little sick. I've been reading around, and think this is because I fertilized them too early (which I have since stopped doing). So my question is will my seedlings will recover? Besides stopping the fertilizing, should I be doing anything else to help them? I'd appreciate any help and advice! Thanks!

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tucsonjill Lincoln, NE(Zone 5a) May 05, 2008

Hi befulina,
Sorry no one's gotten back to you before this--I guess too many people are out planting! :)

I'm not one of the experts, but I would say you're on the right track. Are your plants in the ground or in containers--or still in their seedling cups? If the plants are pretty sturdy, and in an environment that drains really well, you might also try just flushing the soil thoroughly to remove any remaining fertilizer. Otherwise, my best guess is you should be okay, as long as you're still seeing new growth.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

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thwoods Hermitage, PA(Zone 5b) May 07, 2008

Have you had your plants out in the sun and maybe have some "sun scalding" on the first leaves? Just a thought, as plants can get sunburnt if not acclimated to the sun gradually -- and it looks sort of "whitish" and sickly.

T
Theresa

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befulina Northfield, MN May 20, 2008

Thanks!
Most things recovered from my premature eagerness to feed them. I tried "flushing" them out, which I think must have worked, because I lost only one tomato seedling, and some of the basil. Thanks for the help!

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