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seedlings yellowing #828069

Asked May 02, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT

Good day, My seedlings are beginning to yellow and leaves are falling off. I have been told to not fertilize them, so am wondering what to do. The "soil" is essentially ground coconut shells, so I wouldn't think there is much nutrition there. I think that I have enough light on them, but am not sure if it is the right kind. 2 questions. 1) Is there a fertilizer that can be used on seedlings. If so, what ratio of NPK? 2)Looking for a good grow light There are so many out there. I have been told to buy a light with around 6500 K, with at least 5000 lumens Can you recommend a specific one to buy? Many thanks, Paul Nedrud St. Louis Park

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question. You don't indicate what type of seedlings you are growing, but it appears you have some which are very healthy. There is a common issue with seedlings called "damping off" which may be the cause of your leaves falling off. Here is a link to a University of MN Extension page which describes this:

https://extension.umn.edu/solve-problem/how-prevent-seedling-damping

Another excellent article addresses potting soil and the need for fertilizing of seedlings which may solve your yellowing problem. I would recommend a light application of fish emulsion fertilizer or others they mention:

https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2022/04/stunted-seedlings-just-cold-weather-or.html

We only address one question per request, so if you want further guidance on your lighting issue, please send us another email.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 02, 2023, 11:48 AM EDT

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