seedlings have reached 1st transplant stage, need water info

Hi. I started my flower seedlings in Jiffy pellets. Roots have begun to outgrow the webbing so I've tansplanted them into plastic cups with holes in the bottom. They seem to be happy so far, have kept them under lights, etc.

But it's getting time to water them and maybe (???? need advice) gently fertilize, although I put them in potting mix that supposed has fertilizer in it.

Can I now water them from the top or should I hope that the holes in the bottom will absorb enough water to make it up to the root system (have used 9 oz cups), 2 or 3 icepick holes per cup.

Also have funny bright green stuff growing on the surface of the cups that does not appear to be anything like the mold that I've encountered during early seedling/jiffy pellet stage. Don't know if this is a problem.

Thanks,
Debi

I think with the watering its a personal choice. A lot of people say water from the bottom it's better. My mam has always watered from the top and her plants have all done ok. I also water from the top, especially with little seedlings or plants as in my opinion how can their roots reach - I'd rather water from the top because I know tht at least they'll get some water. If I watered my little plants from the bottom I think they'd be swamped - they are in 4" peat pots.

I'd water from the top and I think you may need more air circulation, how much direct sunlight are they getting now?
Christine

The green stuff is algae - not a problem; it just grows where the spores come in contact with light and moisture. I imagine that, in your climate, you will be planting out soon anyway. I water from the top all through seed starting and have no problems with it; you could always water with a spray bottle mister if there is any concern about direct watering.

Glad to hear I can water from the top because I did.

All the plants are still indoors under lights. Will set up fan if you think additional air circulation is necessary.

Thanks you guys!

Air circulation won't prevent algae growth, if that's the thought. I've never used a fan, and have not seen any need for it...?

I've never used a fan either--if you're watering properly and don't have your seedlings all crushed up against each other then it's probably not necessary.

The algae shouldn't hurt your plants, but it could be a sign that you've got things a pinch too wet, and that can easily lead to other problems so you might check on your watering.

You're probably over watering. Top watering or bottom watering is a personal choice, informed by the type of pot you're using. I can't say how well bottom watering would work for you since it sounds like you're using something like a Dixie cup with holes punched in it for your starts. No problem with that, it just might not work well for bottom watering.

You should not need to fertilize transplants, especially when you've used a pre-fertilized potting mixture. If they're getting enough light they should be growing fine on their own. ENOUGH LIGHT is the operant word, they need 12 to 18 hours a day of bright light close to the tops of the plants to grow strong and stocky.