Should I fertilize my tomato seedlings?
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A: Tomatoes and most other vegetable and flower seedlings should get fertilizer once they develop their second set of leaves. The first leaves are the “seed leaves,” and plants at that stage don’t need fertilizer yet.
What fertilizer should I use for my tomato seedlings?
If your soil is correctly balanced or high in nitrogen, you should use a fertilizer that is slightly lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, such as a 5-10-5 or a 5-10-10 mixed fertilizer. If you are slightly lacking in nitrogen, use a balanced fertilizer like 8-8-8 or 10-10-10.
Should you use fertilizer on seedlings?
Seedlings should be fertilized after they are three inches tall and can be fertilized weekly after that until transplanting. All plants need nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which are commonly stated on fertilizer bags as whole numbers, such as 2-2-3.
Do potted tomatoes need fertilizer?
Good tomatoes require a lot of nutrients. Most potting media comes with about a two week fertilizer charge, then the plants need to be fed or growth starts to slow down. Start by applying a timed-release, pelleted, fertilizer following the label directions for rate based on pot size.
How do I make tomato seeds germinate faster?
Tomato seeds kept at warm room temperature and sprayed with water twice daily should sprout within a week. As soon as the seedlings break the surface, move them to bright light. A full-spectrum grow-light is ideal, but a sunny window will do provided the seedlings are watched closely to make sure they don’t dry out.
When should I start feeding tomato seedlings?
When tomato seedlings are between three and six weeks old, it is very tempting to give them a feed but there are probably enough nutrients in the growing media already – if you are using fresh seed or multipurpose potting compost.
How long does it take for tomato seeds to germinate indoors?
5-6 days
Tomato seeds should germinate within 5-6 days if you can keep the soil temperature around 80º F. Peppers take a little longer with a little higher temperature (7-8 days at 85º F). Remember this is soil temperature, not ambient temperature.
Can I put miracle grow on seedlings?
Once your seedlings are nestled gently into the soil, you’ll need to water and feed them. Add Miracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting & Transplant Starting Solution to your watering can, and again a week later, with regular watering in between.
Are eggshells good for tomato plants?
Eggshells also provide plants with other essential minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus. The addition of these potent nutrients helps maximize tomato harvest, increase the production of the aromatic oils that make tomatoes so flavorful, and reduce the likelihood of blossom end rot.
Do seeds germinate faster if fertilizer is applied?
Fertilizer has no effect on seed germination if used in small amounts, but can negatively affect seed germination if you use too much fertilizer. Since seeds require no external sources of nutrition to germinate, it’s not recommended to apply fertilizer to seeds. In fact, it can reduce germination rates.
When should I fertilize my indoor seedlings?
The first application should be at the time of potting up the seedlings. Two weeks after potting up, start the liquid fertilizer applications. You should continue the liquid fertilizer applications every week until the seedlings are ready to be transferred to the garden.
Can I use Miracle Grow on seedlings?