What is the Best Fertilizer for Seedlings?

[@drleucine]

Jenna, I just love your experiments. I have spent years in research, and I appreciate that you always think about possible confounding factors and controls and then explain them to your audience. I get such a kick out of it! 😊

[@Fireinthesky67]

Same here. She's great. 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks so much!!

[@pamelalaiosa6638]

I really enjoyed this research you shared!

[@evelynbishop9382]

Thank you for taking the time to do this experiment. I'm with you on not using Moracle-Gro. I have Agrothrive already, so thank you again!😍

[@jhonkrawczun9552]

⁸⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷⁷7⁷

[@TerryHanson-e6r]

Holy cow, I found myself hanging on every word! I always get stuck on what to use for fertilizer. With so many to choose from and seeing you take the time to do that experiment helps so many of us out that either can’t do that or are afraid to. Thank you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

There are SO many to choose from-- I got overwhelmed trying to decide!! But I really enjoy testing stuff like this, so I'm glad it helps others!

[@zanna9857]

Oh my gosh! Finally!! I'm in zone 6b!!! I just saw where you are in another video. I'm so tired of sandy soil, southern ca channels! I need a channel w/clay soil, snow storms in march & the perpetual cloud of sadness! 😂 I'm in NE Ohio & the beach is my backyard. Im having a hellava time! Can't wait to dive into your episodes! 💞💞

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

I'm in Eastern Washington hardpan soil can double as concrete snow storms in March last year it snowed on Easter. Desert sun and dry summers.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Well I've definitely got the clay soil, snow storms in March (and April) AND the perpetual cloud of sadness 😆... I'm glad you're here!!

[@dustyflats3832]

😂and sandy desert micro climate with severe drought in WI, with the added snowstorms and long dragged out spring depression and late freak frosts. I know, all the vids of people who can grow year round 😅.

[@Babs-Veterans-are-Family]

@dustyflats3832 those who can grow year round miss the beauty and joy of snow. Sure snow is cold don't want to be outside people drive like they're in bumper cars but is beautiful to watch fall and something magical when you get a white Christmas. It's raining hard gloomy sky my Shiba Inu's don't want to go outside. Wish the weather would play nice so we could get the garden spot prepped. 3 months we'll gripe about it being too hot. Thanks for the welcome.

[@looneygardener]

Southern Ontario here! We just finished winter 3.0, now Fake Spring #2

[@SeedSowr2]

Hi, I would love to see a test on Alaska fish emulsion. Thank you for doing this test, very interesting. You are a good teacher.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hoping to try this one out-- lots of folks seem to like it!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJennait stinks! Guard your garden from coon and skunk and inside-either you or the seedlings will be moving out😂.

[@Saltwatercowboy79]

Absolute LEGEND of a video wow THANK YOU for doing this, 2 years into agrothrive by the 5 gallon pail as a market farmer and I wouldn't use anything else. Stay blessed 🤘🇺🇸✌️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!!

[@Saltwatercowboy79]

@@GrowfullywithJenna 🤙🇺🇸✌️💙

[@dustyflats3832]

Good to know!

[@Leelongostyle]

Great video. I appreciate the fact that you did not use music in the background to compete with your valuable information. Also, the fact that you don’t keep saying “you guys”. I try so hard and I always overwater and have the worst seedling luck. Thank you.

[@Patriotsoul]

I second that.

[@williambock1821]

Soluble hemoglobin is probably blood meal.

[@bennym1956]

Seeds will grow in anything sold at Lowe's , advice from an old gardener...... Dirt, water and sunshine !

[@theteenagegardener]

This video could not have come at a better time. I’m wasn’t sure what fertilizer to use to fertilize my seedlings, but now I know! Thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad I could help!

[@tgif1207]

So, AgroThrive for the win in seed starting. Do you also recommend the brand for regular fertilizing schedule throughout growing season?

[@joshuagillitzer2428]

Great video and experiment, wrong fox farm though you want to use "Grow Big" on seedlings. Its a 6-4-4 vegetative fertilizer. The big bloom is a supplementary to use with tiger bloom during flowering and fruiting stage.

[@cwallcw]

Yes, this. Love love ur stuff!!

[@asjanca]

I love when you do these research videos! I panicked a bit when I saw how badly Espoma did since that’s what I’ve been using, but a check of my seedlings confirmed the roots were abundant and healthy. So hopefully it just didn’t jive with your seed starting mix. Fingers crossed! 🤞🏼

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm starting to think I had a bad batch of Espoma-- I want to buy a new one to test!

[@tgif1207]

Yeah, that one result was a bit shocking for sure. I also wonder if Jobes might have done better if the middle application hadn't been skipped. Or if it had been mixed in with the coir at the start.

[@cinedan5497]

You should have used the Fox Farm Veg bottle, not the bloom. Those babies need their Nitrogen! Otherwise great info.....thanks for this experiment! I'm definitely going to try one of the top 2 this year.

[@beufordjustice4949]

Thank you Jenna for all of the great information you provide; it has helped me immensely in my gardening in both growing and organizing my garden. This video was very informative and I appreciate all of the effort you put forth to complete your testing videos. You are by far my favorite gardening info provider; It makes my day better when I see you have dropped a new video. Take care!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It's so nice to hear this- thank you!

[@kccccccc]

Surprised you didn’t add Neptunes Harvest or Alaska. Those are the most popular fish fertilizers! Would love to see them added next time.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Adding to the next round of testing!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJennalook forward to it. I wasn’t pleased with frog potting soil at all-Molds and too heavy. Don’t care for bat anything in my house either😊. Pro Mix seems to have the better soil varieties and Quality but I don’t think they have a fertilizer line? The fish fertilizer is a no-go inside or outside. Inside it smells really bad and outside it attracts coon and skunk.

[@kellywalton4195]

Can you add MI Gardner trifecta

[@geezer2tech154]

@@GrowfullywithJenna That was a fun experiment! On the next round I would try some of the 2nd and third place finishers (and maybe others) at higher strengths to see if the difference was due to dosage or something else like bioavailability or micronutrients.

[@yibuseato]

Neptunes Harvest 🔱 please! Thank you so much for these product testing experiments- so incredibly helpful

[@RiverCrockett-in7bg]

I second that request!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Definitely adding Neptune to the next round of testing!

[@bobhill5791]

Your video made my day. I stopped it half way through and ordered 2 types of Agrothrive. The smell test gave me a laugh since...... we all do that and the facial expressions priceless. Please test out some Alaska fish emulsion soon!

[@brianczuhai8909]

Hint: If it smells like poop. It IS!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- I'm glad to hear it! Adding Alaska to the list- I've had lots of requests for that one!

[@barryganslein986]

So I’ve started my own experiment, I’ve switched half my seedlings from Espoma to AgroThrive, there is definitely a difference with AgroThrive. Thank you Jenna!

[@MiaTheTherian]

hey so I'm from Australia and I was wondering where you got the agrothrive?

[@Naddrose]

Thank you Jenna, what an awesome experiment. You are saving us from seedlings heartaches.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome! I just wish I could test ALL the fertilizers to give a really comprehensive look at the topic... there are just too many on the market!

[@brianczuhai8909]

@@GrowfullywithJenna You should have a tip jar on YT and ask for contributions. Those organics are expensive. And there's way, way, too much stuff out there. I just started a just few more liquid organics last year. And LOVE THEM!

[@sarahw937]

Hi Jenna! Why did you choose the fruit and flower Agrothrive over general purpose Agrothrive. I see the difference is 3-3-5 vs 3-3-2. Even though it says berries, fruits and flowers, it worked well for brassicas it seems. Just curious!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I just happened to have that one on hand. I did check with the AgroThrive rep and he said either formula can be used with seedlings.

[@stevefabian-ud2it]

Hi Jenna, Another interesting video. Definitely surprised at some of the results. Keep up the informative videos !

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@elizabethwhite7733]

Thank you so much for doing these experiments! I would really appreciate more experiments that would include Jack's 20-20-20 and Spray & Grow products.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'll add these to my list- thank you!

[@marthabourassa7909]

I absolutely love your videos! I could listen to you for hours and, quite frankly, have. I just completed a “Growfully with Jenna” marathon. I learn so much from you. Thank you so much.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow, thank you!

[@GrowCookPreserveWithKellyDawn]

This was absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much--I just placed a new Amazon order! Thanks, Jenna. We owe you for all the time and effort you put into this one.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@ausfoodgarden]

Did you use those fertilizers at full strength? I normally use at 1/2 strength or less with seedlings. I'm surprised the Miracle Grow looked so bad. I've found the seedlings look great but later seem to start falling behind in the garden. A great comparison of various fertilizers. Well done! 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I used them at the application rate instructed on the label, with the exception of the Jobe's granular fertilizer.

[@lesleetremel]

I learned a lot from your video! Thank you!!! One thought, in my experience the Fox Farm products are really good. I think the Fox Farm Grow Big would be the better product to use for seedlings than the Fox Farm Big Bloom. Ohhh, can you add Alaska fish fertilizer if you conduct another experiment? This gave me so much helpful information! Thanks for investing the MONEY and time to do this experiment for all of our benefit!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree- there are definitely other Fox Farms formulations that should work better! This was just one that I happened to have on hand. And I've had lots of requests for Alaska- so yes!

[@matthewjc89]

I LOVE garden experiments!!! Thank you so much Jenna! It's why I keep coming back! If Jobe's did that well just as a top dressing, I wonder how much better it would have been mixed into the soil where it would be more available to the roots?? Would love to see that! :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm thinking I'll have to actually follow the directions next time and see if it makes a difference!

[@johnnyearliwine6698]

Really enjoyed your exp.. I am always wondering what fertilizer is best. I like to grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I will definitely follow your findings and techniques . thank you.

[@jenniferrinkus7072]

Fantastic video. Thank you for the well thought out and executed experiment. Has definitely influenced what I’ll be doing with my starts going forward!

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

Augrivethrive ( miss spelled sorry) just now it's July and I've experienced what seems to be the best blooming of green beans ever.believeing it's great fertilizer thanks

[@JP-wb1oo]

I kept seeing a Gurney's commercial and I could swear you were in it and then your wrist tats confirmed it. I found the full length video on Gurney's channel, what a beautiful thing to be a part of. Anyways, I'm in 6b Ohio (Dayton) and love that your information is relevant to what I'm doing in my garden. I've always used a syn/org combo for seedlings and small plants but I'm going to pick up the Agrothrive grow and bloom formulas and see how they perform. I'm so excited, most of my seeds are planted/sprouting and it's almost time to till in my cover crops and start rebuilding my badly depleted soil. Oh, and halfway through the video and looking at the interior of your greenhouse, I bit the bullet and hit the purchase button on a 6x8 poly greenhouse. I hope my wife understands my impulse buying when that thing shows up 😟

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good eye! I do some trialing for Gurney's so they asked me to be involved. It was a fun project! Sounds like you are going to stay busy in the garden this year. I hope you like that greenhouse!!

[@dustyflats3832]

😂😂😂😂sooo funny! Grow for it!😂😂😂😂. Have Fun!

[@TheGardenFamily]

What a great experiment! Those AgroThrive plants look great, and it was nice to hear it wasn't too stinky. I use synthetic fertilizers inside and exclusively organic fertilizers outside. My main reason was how stinky many of the organic fertilizers were since we start our seeds below our kitchen in the basement. My other rationale is that outdoors I'm developing a healthy soil ecosystem while indoors there is no real ecosystem to speak of (a sterile seed starting mix in a plastic pot). I bought a bag of Jack's (25-5-10) a while back that I've been using for a few years. But in theory it's not really much different than the miracle gro products. Some thoughts on the synthetic fertilizer performing badly: I looked up the product you used and it's not really meant for seedlings. It's meant as a one time application at time of transplant of an already established plant. It has way too much phosphorous compared to nitrogen (4-12-4). On the instructions it says to start using traditional miracle gro (which is 24-8-16) after 1 week. If you repeat I would suggest trying a different synthetic!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'll give a different synthetic a try!

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

Agrothrive smelling like a cross between molasses and soy sauce. Not surprising. The corn liquor is basically molasses and Soy sauce contains fermented anchovies (A fish) Never heard of soluble hemoglobin in a fertilizer but it shouldn't be much different than blood meal.

[@fc11925]

This is a really good video and experiment - thank you! The old bad part; I've been using that espoma fertilizer for the past two seasons and have been wondering why I've been struggling with starts. :( Now I know!

[@bcarroll03]

Soluble hemoglobin is probably blood meal

[@alligator487]

REV is awesome in combination with AgroThrive. I use both with fantastic results!

[@tinastexasgarden]

Oh. My. Gosh. I am so so glad I came upon this video. What a major game changer this is going to be for me. Thank you so much for this amazing info. Great video

[@brianschmidt-vr2qr]

Well done experiment. Would like to see the results as plants grow through the season. Suggestions for future testing, Alaska and Botanicare Pure Tea Blend.

[@heidipax]

For your next experiment could you trial Trifecta plus? Migardener’s fertilizer

[@pookinsp2324]

I have used "TP-64G Trident's Pride Organic Liquid Fish Hydroponic Soil Fertilizer" which is pretty much the same as Alaskan's. But I cannot use this for seedlings that are inside. The odor is overwhelming. My trial of Miracle Grow ($ advantage and no smell) was a disaster for my seedlings this year. Glad to learn of these alternatives. Thank you.

[@elizabethblane201]

I've been using AgroThrive for a couple of years and I like it and my plants do, too.

[@elpinchechingon]

try homemade compost or straight up kitchen scraps and anything that is biodegradable buried alongside plants/seedlings, not directly under it so it wouldn't burn the plant

[@swampysanta5445]

espoma i would recommend using half strength, my tomato tone has a very high salt concentration. miracle grow has sulfur deficiency you need to add epsom salt.

[@tonipollack5021]

I would like to see another test with REV using the actual recommended directions since it isn’t an actual fertilizer. Love your channel.

[@ElsieDraco]

Soluble hemoglobin… hemoglobin is in blood. Could it possibly be the scientific name for blood meal?

[@kennypridemore5466]

Note, in the first mix I let sit for 24 hours before pouring a quart of it into the other gal jug, and I shake it well first be for pouring it into the other jug.

[@margaret2222]

I love your experiments Jenna. Looking forward to the tomato experiment also. Thanks for another great video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for watching!

[@jrdoolin]

First of all, I think your experiments are one of the best parts of your channel. This one was fascinating. Keep them coming! Second, holy smokes, I've been using Agrothrive as my primary water soluble fertilizer in the garden, but I never thought of using it for seedlings. But I sure am sold now! Lastly, I actually use diluted synthetic fertilizer for my seedlings and they are doing really well. It's something like 1/8 tsp in a whole gallon of water. I'm also using ProMix for the medium, though last year it was coco coir and I didn't get the negative results that you did with Miracle Gro, so perhaps it's the concentration.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! And I do know lots of folks use synthetics (especially on those indoor seedlings) with good results. I think I'm going to just test a different synthetic product next time.

[@cpoco]

I assume "soluble hemoglobin" is basically what you'd find in blood fish and bone (given it's essentially blood?). Love your thoroughness with testing (glad you ignored the people expressing their issues with what you tested). Well done!

[@a_l_e_k_sandra]

Yes. 👏

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's what I suspected as well. thank you!

[@windriderfarm]

This is such a valuable video. You have saved so many of us time and money. Thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Matt_K68]

Thank you for all your work on this project. Sadly, I have gallons of Miracle Grow. I will try Agrothrive now

[@sociopathmercenary]

It may be synthetic but it works. I'm less worried about synthetic fertilizer than I am about chemical weed killers and such. I do use organic where I can but some of these companies take advantage of people with pricing on organics. I think you're better off coming up with your own homebrew in many cases

[@Hailey-bz2ym]

Wasting it won’t help anything either, use what you have and make better purchases in the future!

[@Matt_K68]

Thank you @@Hailey-bz2ym I will not waste it. I have lots of perennials that will get a taste of it this spring. I was using MG in the hydroponics tank, and the plants were struggling. I switched to Master Blend, and everything perked up. Makes me wonder...

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree, I wouldn't waste it-- just be careful when and how you use it! Some folks have pointed out that the Miracle Gro product I used specifically was not the best choice for seedlings- because the Phosphorous is too high and the Nitrogen too low. If you have a different formulation the results will likely be better. But your experience with the hydroponics tank (which you commented about below) does make me wonder too!

[@christophergetchell6490]

Wow!!! I was surprised to see the Espoma at the bottom of the list! I'm wondering if I should just switch to the Jobes! I have also been known to use highly diluted Miracle Gro, but I don't think I'm going to continue that based on this! That root development on the first couple was incredible!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm starting to think I had a bad batch of Espoma!

[@margierousu468]

Great info.❤thank you SO much! I just stumbled across your channel while looking for some garden utubers who are closer to my Zone 3 North Western Mn. I just cant relate to all these southern utubers who are already planting out. Have you done any tests with different potting soils?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Awesome! Thank you! I've not done any comparisons with different potting soils, but that is a great idea!

[@shawnhogan9185]

Thanks so much! Jenna! Always wanted to do this but haven't. When you do tomatoes will you try a fertilizer called Mater Magic? I used it two years ago on outdoor tomato plants and they were wonderful! So many tomatoes I was giving them away. I used a different brand last year and just no where near the same results even tho others had raved about it. I actually may try it on my tomato seedlings this year. Again, thanks so much for doing this experiment.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'll look into that fertilizer- thanks!

[@barryganslein986]

So just an update and a thank you, AgroThive has given me excellent results! Even at lower doses the results are amazing!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear!

[@torexinc.8762]

Didn't follow the instrucJobe. And got 3rd. Justice for my boy, jobe. All my homies hate miracle grow. Serves it right.

[@91210paige]

Awesome Experiment. I typically only put a few banana peels in a 5 gallon bucket. Let it ferment and use that. Have had great results.

[@alcg3981]

I did that last year for established Roses, Annuals, etc.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks!

[@tikagdg]

I’d love to see mychorizae in one and sheep wool in one.

[@swdw973]

Thanks! very informative. I'll add one note here. The superthrive vitamin supplement (not the plant food you used) has produced produced better results for me when used with a fertilizer than any fertilizer alone. I've used it in conjunction with several different fertilizers and it has always boosted the plants. In one case, adding it to fertilizer revitalized a bush that was not doing well and the fertilizer alone was not doing it.

[@mikefrench3800]

Miracle Grow/Monsanto/ Black Rock has been a huge disappointment to the whole world!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yeah... I'm not a fan...

[@lesliescully3544]

Super informative and helpful.

[@progressforward]

Can you add M.I. Gardner Trifecta ?

[@AlBetro-x5h]

Great video as usual. Been gardening for over 60 years, and always happy to learn more. I have been bottom watering my seedlings with half strength Neptune's Harvest Fish and Seaweed (2-3-1), and have had very good results. Odor not too bad, but NOT perfume! Would love to see a comparison of this with your winners.

[@wmpx34]

Diluted piss has been working well for me, but it ain’t gonna pass a smell test

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😆

[@carolozbolt5118]

Fantastic information! I wanted to add that I started my cauliflower seeds February 15 in Jiffy sterile seed starting mix. I up potted them March 5th in old miracle grow potting soil. I fertilized with half strength miracle grow fertilizer. Mine are big and beautiful! I also live in Ohio (Wayne county) zone 6a and I am getting ready to plant out! Wish I knew how to send a picture;

[@carolozbolt5118]

@SmithKuch sure

[@barryganslein986]

I am surprised by the Espoma results, it’s currently feeding my seedlings. Excellent work, I enjoy the science and experimenting with gardening.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm wondering now if I got a bad batch of Espoma!

[@drmistermaster]

I've actually used the foxfarm "grow big" version but diluted (just 1-2tsp per gallon) with decent results but I definitely want to experiment with others next year.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yep- I think one of their other formulations would have definitely worked better- or even the one I used + their Wholly Mackerel.

[@susiescott661]

I loved this video. Thanks for taking the time to lay this out!

[@laurenwilliams3296]

I appreciate your time to get this info out there 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much!

[@terrychuong3782]

Thank you for this well executed experiment and video. Having a very small garden and 2 small children, I don't have the space, time and money to conduct garden experiments. Such revealing results! Would love to see your results of Neptune's Harvest vs your top pick from this round AgroThrive.

[@Sunnylane02174]

I may have to try that AgroThrive fertilizer bc those seedlings look amazing! Thanks for all you do! You have some of my favorite gardening channels on here! Always so informative!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So nice to hear this!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Please please please do this again with another growing medium! Also, I would love to see you use the biostimulant with a couple different fertilizers, as well as by itself, (as well as the sake fertilizers by themselves) I'm a huge Espoma user, so those results definitely shocked me! However I use Alaska fish or Neptunes Harvest Fish Fertilizer for seedlings usually, & then I use their organic granular Fertilizer in the garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have SO many things I want to test-- but definitely trying out some different growing media, as well as the Alaska & Neptune brands. I'm also starting to suspect I got a bad batch of Espoma.

[@sn232]

Wow!!! Huge difference, thank you!

[@laurenholladay]

Thanks Jenna! This experiment was very helpful. I appreciate the time you take to help educate us, especially someone like me who is only in their year of gardening. You're a real blessing.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad!

[@donnacotter7572]

I never considered the impact that the growing medium could have on my seedlings. I've been focusing solely on which liquid fertilizer I use. I wonder if Agrothrive has better mineral content than the others. It's hard to tell from their label. I bought a small bottle this summer for supplemental feedings in the garden, and I was very happy with the response in my plants. I plan to try it this winter for my seedlings. Thanks for this video. You always teach me something new.

[@alaina_meow09]

Are you going to try to grow cannibas now that it's legal to in ohio?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sure am! May not get to it this year... but plan to eventually.

[@pattiethompson9154]

I came upon your video 2 wks after. Thank you for your time. I started my seeds with just starting soil and water in my mini green house. Didnt realize i could use vertilizers on them until they went in the ground. I am in zone 10 so my planting time is now. I have been busy. New subscriber.❤

[@shellisspace]

Another massively informative video. Thank you

[@tbluemel]

Hi Jenna, I watched your video and just received my first bottle of AgroThrive. You indicated the directions for the application rate is 2 oz per gallon, but the container says 1/2 cup (4 oz) per gallon. Can you clarify this issue for me? Thank you, and thanks for this timely, informative video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I was using the application rate for starter plants (2 oz per gallon). The 4 oz per gallon is for feeding mature plants. Hope this helps!

[@tbluemel]

That's what I thought. Thank you so much!! I love your channel. You really think about your audience.

[@tbluemel]

Jenna, I have to tell you how grateful I am you made this video. I had several brassica seedlings I put in my greenhouse to harden off a bit before planting outside. They were attacked by a nasty gang of roving grasshoppers. I was sure they would not survive, but I gave them a third helping of AgroThrive, covered them with a humidity dome, and in 3 days, they were growing like crazy! Thanks to your wonderful experiment, my seedlings were saved! Just another example of how useful you KZbin channel is. Thank you, Jenna! ❤

[@stevekroes9502]

Thank you! I appreciate your careful experimentation. I've got seedlings now, and I need to pick up some fertilizer for them, so this is great!

[@tarawatterson4188]

Agreed with these comments - legendary experiment and video. You rock, Jenna! 👊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@papawsplace]

That was interesting Jenna. I've used the AgroThrive before and I liked it myself. I vote for another test using soil.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad you like the AgroThrive too. And am definitely thinking of testing using the typical DIY seed starting mix that I use for my seedlings normally.

[@debbieflango2180]

Thanks for the extensive research, time and money in conducting this experiment- I certainly appreciated it and will be altering my plant fertilizer as appropriate.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@bariaissa1737]

Thank you

[@Too-Young557]

I’ve been using Argo Thrive for a couple years but never on my seedlings. I’ll use it this year. Thank you, this is great

[@candacebradley7335]

I’ve seen products from a company called ‘Elm Dirt’ called Plant Juice. Jenna have you heard of it? Thank you for your experiment I’ll be buying some ArgroThrive fertilizer. Love your show.

[@burntorangehorn]

Lovely video as usual, Jenna. If you do more testing, maybe try Foliage Pro (by Dyna-Gro, I believe now owned by SuperThrive)? It's good for houseplants, but doubles as a nice seedling fertilizer. Seems to be the most complete fertilizer on the market. Last year I did soil blocks made of 80% regular pro mix and 20% worm castings, bottom watering every time the blocks were dry (almost daily), with ~1/4tsp Foliage Pro per gallon every other watering. This year I may compare fertilizing on that schedule with a weekly dose that's a little stronger, with a control of just water, probably using basil seeds.

[@iladyjedi3864]

Heya Jenna! First, thank you very much for the experiment. The information will come in quite handy. I am going to be trying to start my seedlings hydroponicly, then transplant to the garden. The device came with Miracle Grow (which I refuse to use), so I’ve opted for FoxFarm’s Grow Big Hydroponic Liquid Plant Food. I’ve only heard good things about FoxFarm, but after watching this, I definitely don’t know if it’s necessarily the best option. And ideas??

[@edcasares2394]

Would love to see a flower seedling test I'm trying to figure out the best hibiscus set up currently in my garden

[@nkvball808]

Great job with the experiment - did you use half or quarter strength for the fertilizers? I’ve used Alaska Fish fertilizer, and Fox Farms Grow big at half or quarter strength also use 1/2 cup of pelleted chicken manure to 1 gallon of water soaked overnight (from video from Daisy Creek Farms) all three seem to work well - I just use what I have available at the time.

[@donnaallred7068]

Excellent video and information. Looking forward to part 2 with the summer seedlings. Thank you for sharing and helping us grow. 🌻

[@3x3me88]

Hello, coco likes to grab on to calcium. It can be initially buffered/feed with a calcium magnesium fertilizer. I would guess the best performers had ample calcium, unlike the miracle grow which had none. Generally regular potting and outdoor soils have plenty of calcium.

[@pinetreesnflowers]

Fantastic video and super helpful. Any fertilizer reccs for indoor seedlings that won’t make your house smell like a fish graveyard? 😅

[@andyscott710]

Excellent video. But useless for UK folks since most of these products are not available in the UK. Has anybody got a link to a similar site for UK growers?

[@lisasweat3728]

Hi, I’m a newbie and I just watched the fertilizing episode awesome video lots of knowledge and I love it. Gardening is all new to me so far I’ve bought earthworm castings do I need anything else to go with that? Greatly appreciate your help. Happy gardening!❤

[@ThomasG-og4yb]

Yikes I just paid 60 bucks for a few bags of Fox Farms!! I expected the Miracle Grow to be terrible! 👍😱😢

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

My best experience in the 4 seasons with seedlings has been with the added micros and worm casting as you had 3 years back and I experienced trying to adding potting mixture and gardening soil this season that I'm thinking root rot has damaged this season problems but my notes are mixed up so I'm not positive just what plants are damaged due to the roots damage but seems like my plants do have a problem. Going with your seedlings mixture but only half the worm coming. Perhaps I'll keep better records hopefully next season Thanks

[@rexshepherd5482]

The best fertilizer is the farmers shadow..

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very true!

[@agussuparno741]

The best presentation compare all brand fertilizer, by the way try to make by own self .. use indgredients (cow milk + honey bee + chicken egg + rice water washed) putting into bottle until 2 week and then ready to serve (spray to the leaf) that its for free organic fertilizer (amino acid,potash,phospate,calsium)

[@star-b-qpodcast54]

Hemoglobin is blood. That’s not a new ingredient in fertilizer but it’s probably an uncommon way of listing it. It’s likely just “blood meal” or something similar.

[@Chris-op7yt]

no calcium at all? i use the commercial grade peat and perlite bale of seed raising mix. despite some drawbacks, synthetic fertilizers feed the world. organic fertilizers are over 90% water, which i have at tap much cheaper. organic proponents--i usef to be one--have been duped into believing that weird concoctions will save the world.