When do I fertilize my seedlings?

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Patriotboy247 Jenison, MI(Zone 6b) Apr 02, 2009

I have cells of celosia, tabasco peppers, sweet peppers, butterfly flower, goldenrod, milkweed, gerber daiseys, dusty miller's and millet. I planted the seeds in plug mix w/ vermiculite on top of the seeds. When is the right time to fertilize? Any recomendations on what fert to use?

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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Apr 02, 2009

Some people say to fertilize about a week after germination, others about a month. Seeds contain 'food' for the seedlings, but only about enough for germination and to reach the top of the soil. I never fertilized seedlings in the past, but this year I did after they got their first set of true leaves. When you do fertilize, make sure you use mild doses at first, you don't want to burn up the seedlings. Use maybe 1/4 strength recommended dose.

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Stephen_Albert Kenwood, CA Apr 04, 2009

When your plants get their first or second set of true leaves--3 or 4 inches tall, give them compost tea. Compost tea will have all of the macro and minor nutrients in one solution and there is no danger of burning the plants as you might with a mis-mix of synthetic fertilizers. You can set your starts in a tray of compost tea to bottom water, apply as a spray foliar feed, or in regular sidedress watering.

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