SHOULD YOU FERTILIZE SEEDLINGS? A SOIL SCIENTISTS OPINION ON WHEN AND HOW TO FERTILIZE SEEDLINGS 🌱

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you want a more in-depth look into products specific to this check out the blog post. gardeningincanada.net/should-you-fertilize-vegetable-seedlings/

[@michaelmarchione3408]

It is great that you give the facts, and also tell us what you opinion is too. That is the best of both worlds, because opinions also count when we viewers try to juggle our attempts at success. Balancing the two is actually what I'm trying to say.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Balance is key! Theory and practice are two very different things.

[@alex987alex987]

@@GardeningInCanada In theory, they are the same. In practice, not really. :)

[@DaveBaker-nz3sd]

Ashley , discovered you recently keep doing what you are doing girl. A follower Arizona

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awe thank you

[@tobruz]

“Just the facts and never the hacks”

[@GardeningInCanada]

😎🤓

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️❤️

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Excellent. Simply Excellent. Easy to understand explanations. Super!!!!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awe thank you!

[@williamwaters4506]

I use seed starter soil (mix), it is made to start seedlings. There are seed starting mix combination recipes on line for people who grow on a larger scale.

[@stevenlaake9975]

Just found your channel. I understood most of what you said. Thanks a lot, I learned quite a bit of information. I just learned a few weeks ago what not to do with seedlings. Glad I tried a bit early. I now know what to do with just barely enough time to do it again. God Bless

[@GardeningInCanada]

Great to hear!

[@patticriss2238]

Thank you for these talks. Very helpful. Watching from Oklahoma.

[@leannesmith333]

Thanks for this. There is such a debate on the gardening boards as to whether to fertilize or not. I appreciate the research!

[@jenpaige3110]

As always, very informative! Love to know the "why"! Thanks for all your hard work

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks fo truly enjoying it.

[@npast1]

Lots and lots of info here, but I am still not clear in the end whether I should or should not fertilize. Here is what I understood: 1) Ph is the most important 2) Fertilizing improves above soil biomass, but not the root system 3) Not fertilizing tends to produce stronger roots 4) If you tend to overwater then you should not fertilize? Otherwise, you may choose to fertilize, or may choose not to because there is still no clear answer. Would be great if there was a bullet summary at the end of the video. --Edit, I went to your website and it is much better explained and written there. The video , for me personally, felt like information core dump, but on your website you very clearly broke it down and summarized. Thank you.

[@zackcam26]

I have used just simple miracle grow potting mix , water , epsom salt spray and not having much success for tall stronger seedlings but leggy and weak seedlings . Please advise

[@npast1]

@@zackcam26 Repotting works for me. Its a must do for tomatoes.

[@liav4102]

Most of my seedlings have sprouted so this is great timing. Now to look through my fertilizer collection and see what might work best

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s awesome!

[@freelivingtennessee]

What was your Fertilizer recommendations? I didn’t see any on The show notes. I did take a look at my two Fertilizers that I use. First I use fish emulsion when they’re little then if I have any that get a little larger bc of the season not cooperating I go to a dilution of 1/4 strength miracle gro “plant food” water soluble fert. That funnily enough has 3 kinds of nitrogen in ammonium/nitrate/ and “other water soluble nitrogen” 😂 whatever that means. I like the mic/gro (sadly) bc of economic reasons and bc it has some micro nuets as well. I will also use it in the garden a few times a season along with my compost and organic fert. I’d love to hear what you recommend. Also I’m looking into Using Steve Solomos COF mix this year. To make it (there are two diff recipes floating around one with common amendments and one has a lot more specific micro nutes) you kinda feel like a chemist bc there are things in one like Manganese sulfate and other micronutes lol One might be called the “gold mix” and the other is just COF “complete organic fertilizer” Here I’ll post the recipes so u can see what I mean if your not farmiliar with. And I would use this in the garden as an amendment not on seedlings 6 quarts is recommended by Steve for 100 square feet, which weighs approximately 11 lbs. The recipe is as follows: 2 quarts organic soybean meal 1 pint feather meal 1 pint organic fish meal 1 quart Calphos (soft rock phosphate) 1 quart organic kelp meal 1 pint ag lime 1 pint ag gypsum 1 tsp borax 1.5 tsp zinc sulfate 2 tsp manganese sulfate 1 tsp copper sulfate This is one: Complete Organic Fertilizer (COF) Recipe Mix uniformly, in parts by volume: 4 parts seed meal 1/4 part ordinary agricultural lime, best finely ground 1/4 part gypsum (or double the agricultural lime) 1/2 part dolomite lime Plus, for best results: 1 part bone meal, rock phosphate or high-phosphate guano 1/2 to 1 part kelp meal (or 1 part basalt dust)

[@GardeningInCanada]

I have never heard of that before. That’s wild! And yea I like the miracle gro stuff as well this being my favourite geni.us/6uuh65 but even a regular fertilizer will work

[@brianseybert192]

How bioavailable are the nutrients in worm castings? All I use for fertilizers for my seedlings are worm casting plus aged compost extracts, I switch back and forth. Would love a deep dive into worm castings. I do know, they are not all created equal. Stay Well!!!

[@angelikaszabo1962]

I heard that when you start seedling, to sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on the soil to prevent mold and mildew. What is your take on this? I recently bought Marphyl Marine Phytoplankton soil enhancer, it is organic. Can I use it for my seedlings? I also have Schultz liquid plant food, 10-15-10, can I use it? I also heard to never fertilize your seedlings until it has it's 4th and 5th leaf, because the first two leaves are not true leaves. In another words, give it time to start before fertilizing. Birdie is stuck in your hair!!! He is so cute!

[@GardeningInCanada]

I just did a video on the cinnamon hahah it’s the natural pest control video

[@angelikaszabo1962]

@@GardeningInCanada What about the soil enhancer I bought? It doesn't have N-P-K on the package. Also, it is a soil enhancer, just wondering, does it add the N-P-K or is it more the microbes?

[@GardeningInCanada]

It’s for microbes moreso you need to also add a fertilizer

[@angelikaszabo1962]

@@GardeningInCanada What is microbes moreso? Can you do a video on seedling to full grown plants, from spring to fall, and everything in between about the different fertilizers. Basically, the ABC's of fertilizing, chemical ones, fish ones, acid loving plant ones,... Thank you so much for being our teacher!

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s an awesome idea

[@lindam9018]

Well I am only at- Yes we should fertilize sprouted seedlings. I can only ask; Does it have to be a 'seed starting formula' or could you use a diluted form of the regular fertilizer you use?

[@GardeningInCanada]

No absolutely not. It can be regular old fertilizer just dilute it 1/4 strength

[@paulacheson12]

I use kelp meal in my seed starting mix. And I add aloe goo to the water. I have found good results.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh interesting!

[@miafallon3186]

Is there any reason for the aloe goo? I have an aloe Vera and could do this. I feel like my seedlings need something else, I currently have strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, also carrots which have not sprouted yet. What do you think?

[@paulacheson12]

@@miafallon3186 Yes the aloe contains salicylic acid. Which has many benefits, to many to list here, just google salicylic acid. And it's free when you have an aloe plant

[@miafallon3186]

@@paulacheson12 I will have a look up as I have an aloe, I have added some growmore fertiliser to my peppers tomatoes corn and strawberry’s.. says suitable for all so hoping it does some good to them , didn’t realise you had to fertilise before flowers started to form some aren’t doing the best 🤦‍♀️😂

[@paulacheson12]

@@miafallon3186 aloe will help. I haven't heard of grow more fertilizer. And you dont need a lot. Mixing with water is a bit of a pain. And a blender just makes a ton of foam. This is no magic cure but any means. It makes my plants happy. Good luck and comment again with your results. I'd like to know. And commenting will help help Ashley's channel grow.

[@lenweise9809]

Very informative. Came at just right time for me

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s awesome!

[@brianseybert2189]

I have been fertilizing my seedlings with worm casting extract ( a couple handfuls of fresh castings placed in a paint strainer bag and swooshed around in a few gallons of tepid water). I have been potting up my peppers that were started in mid January and am finding good root and foliage development. I am assuming the nitrogen source in the castings is in the ammonium form, not the nitrate? Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh yes that would work wonderfully

[@pearlbrown177]

Great video! What about if I start with coco coil and perlite only indoors? I do not have true leave yet but I'm sure i will in a couple days.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

My seed starting mix has rock phosphate, worm castings, and glacial rock dust in a 4 to 1 coco coir perlite. It gives me tremendous results. Sounds like I'm on the right track. I use coco because its ph 7 neutral. Learning to watter less is my challenge lol.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea! That’s sounds awesome and honestly it’s my challenge as well 😂

[@paulacheson12]

That seed starting mix sounds good. I would add a bit of kelp for trace nutrients. But I like the glacial rock dust for minerals. Do you pH your water?

[@79PoisonBreaker]

@@paulacheson12 I'm pretty lucky and dont need to adjust ph where i am as it comes out of the tap neutral. I will add kelp if any deficiency develops but think the worm castings should cover nutrients. I feed a compost tea (3 different types compost) each 2-3 weeks infact my peppers n onions got thier first tea yesterday as they sprouted at beginning of the month.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That is awesome

[@paulacheson12]

@79PoisonBreaker your lucky. My tap water is horrible. I use collected rain water mostly. But when I run out I use RO (reverse osmosis). I don't ph anything. But I'd like to at least start checking, even if I don't change the pH. It's like the soil is an engine and adjusting the pH is like putting premium gas in. You might step up your game just that little bit. This summer will tell.

[@reneulifeolshop3503]

i add microbe (PGPR) and kelp for seedlings plus little bit of guano tea if u need P

[@GardeningInCanada]

That sounds nice

[@reneulifeolshop3503]

@@GardeningInCanada :) thx

[@angelicadial7513]

Just found your channel & love your content! Thanks for sharing 🤩

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@icouldjustscream]

Just a bit of diluted 'Seaboost' liquid seaweed fertilizer. My Armenian cukes, Verde and Violeta tomatillos and Madhatter peppers have germinated. They were in a hurry, germed in 3 days! Waiting on the Pineapple tomatillos and Black Pearl peppers.

[@GardeningInCanada]

that’s wild! usually they take weeks

[@patriciamora34]

You used diluted Seaboost before the seeds sprouted? I’ve been using on my peppers once they get their true leaves.

[@aaron6841]

@@GardeningInCanada I soak my seeds in seaweed tonic gives them a boost then use it half strength at seedling stage

[@TristanReimer-h1x]

Very helpful information. My petunia seedlings are not doing so well, the leaves are quite purple (particularly the lower leaves) and although they are not leggy, they certainly do not have the compact form that petunia seedlings are supposed to have. I used a seed starting mix that might have just been 100% peat. I have also been fertilizing with "evolve" all purpose organic fertilizer. I now know that these were both poor choices for seed starting, however I would still like to save my petunia seedlings. Any idea how? (I do NOT care if I have to go conventional)

[@GardeningInCanada]

did you see my latest video on purple leaves?

[@TristanReimer-h1x]

@@GardeningInCanada Just watched it, however, I am a bit confused. If the problem is that my soil is too acidic, why will watering with acidic water help? Shouldn't I be trying to raise the pH level, not lower it further?

[@johnjude2685]

Note pad,Love the idea You are so smart

[@smlaksvern1806]

I use a half dose of organic fish fertilizer it worked great for my hot peppers!

[@GardeningInCanada]

That would! This is what I’m using for fish fert geni.us/6Cf8C

[@smlaksvern1806]

I should have bought that instead I got the Alaskan stuff , 2 liters for $35.

[@canadian-gardening-6A]

Thank you! I have to try this. I either over water or over fertilize. The same for my house plants. :(

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️ it happens to everyone!

[@ancientgardening6920]

That bird's going to build a nest right there!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahah it is spring time 😂

[@ancientgardening6920]

Yeah we just set all the clocks to "Summer-time"

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahaha we stay the same and don’t change 😂

[@yahushaismyshepherd1179]

My granddaughter now looks for the bird. 🤗

[@GardeningInCanada]

Haha aweee that’s so cute

[@antonjeyaseelan2365]

Hi, At 13.27 Is Ammonium acidic? Are you talking about, NH4+ the conjugate acid of NH3. Ammonia ordinarily has a very high pH. Clarification would be appreciated, in case I'm wrong. Thanks, A.

[@dbbdeb2327]

You two are fabulous

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank You

[@thecakepopsistars]

👏👏👏 thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Anytime! ❤️

[@sarazentner2319]

When & how do you fertilize seeds or seedlings? Do I mix it into the medium right from the start? Do I add it to the water?

[@MightyGreedo]

I gave up at around 3:30. My quest for info on this subject continues.

[@dennisd7451]

Do you think organic fertilizer is better for plants that you eat most of the plant not just the fruit or vegetable? ❤😊

[@NewMindGarden]

Beautiful

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scottsmith507]

Great info as usual Ashley! This is my plan for seed starting. Tell me what you think. It's just a my idea. I ground up leaves and added vermiculite. Going to fill trays with this, pack down ,add seeds then cover with worm castings. Never tried such a thing before, your input will be the deciding factor.

[@GardeningInCanada]

I would try it and let me know 😂 send photos! I’d be interested

[@scottsmith507]

@@GardeningInCanada I will let you know how it works. Went to your website, you did a good job👍🏼. Could send some pics to your email. Good or bad.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yup! Go ahead

[@carllopresti697]

How did it work Scott?

[@carllopresti697]

Thanks!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Wow thank you!

[@darcypotterpotter6214]

have you ever used DEFATTED MUSTARD SEED MEAL ?? apparently it can solve fungus nat issues as well as provide nitrogen

[@GardeningInCanada]

no i haven't! that is interesting

[@Showaholic]

Omg i listened to 6 min of the video before i realized there was a bird on you making noises 😂

[@monkeykoder]

Not a fan of birds because I'm allergic the the mites in their feathers. That said that little dude on your shoulder was trying to win my heart all video and they succeeded.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahah oh that’s Ella she’s a show off

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@marajokegr]

Not that I would use (dilute) urine on my INDOOR seedlings, but what form of nitrogen is in that?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Haha it’s urea. But the stuff you buy That’s called urea isn’t pee it’s just the English language being weird.

[@marajokegr]

@@GardeningInCanada Useful in the garden, or not? Certainly I've heard of using urine as a compost booster. What do you think?

[@GardeningInCanada]

I mean the logic that it works is there, I just don’t know the sanitary side of it. Not sure what harmful critters can harbour down in it

[@helenachase5627]

Is it ok to use urine ? It household ammonia ?

[@GardeningInCanada]

I would avoid it because it is SO strong and you would have to use trial and error to find the correct dosage

[@wildedibles819]

Great video

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks!!!

[@wildedibles819]

@@GardeningInCanada your welcome much love xoxox

[@billastell3753]

Great information. Thank you! I'd subscribe but I've done that already.

[@GardeningInCanada]

HAHA ❤️ love that

[@johnjude2685]

Lady anyone given you thumbs down would be like posting Hay I'm stupid. Thanks for helping me Lady

[@GardeningInCanada]

haha thank you

[@marquanreese7895]

Tbh there are some gr8 liquid organic fertilizer that have nutrients immediately available to the plant

[@GardeningInCanada]

do you have any recomendations?

[@marquanreese7895]

@@GardeningInCanada I use dr earths liquid fert line

[@geraldblount4159]

So yes feed seedly

[@geriannroth449]

What's the name of your groovy bird?

[@plantgurugangsta7299]

the results of many organic gardeners begs to differ....just sayin🤷‍♀️

[@geraldblount4159]

??? I had a African gray and an Amazon red the red was green and red and the African gray was Gray and I had a cockatoo he was my first bird now I got lazy Bulldogs

[@aaron6841]

Ashley the pirate arrrrrrr

[@geraldblount4159]

Just kidding