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Fertilizer for seedlings? #865421

Asked April 22, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT

What fertilizer would you recommend for vegetable (tomato, pepper, lettuce...) seedlings after they are sveral weeks old? And flower seedlings (snapdragons, zinnia, marigold...)? I have used fish and seaweed emulsion 2-3-1 in times past. Also looking at an organic kelp/worm casting mixture at 6-4-4? Thank you!

Emmet County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Mindy, thanks for the question.

Most starter mixes have some fertilizer but after ~6 weeks it may be used up.  A fish emulsion (5-1-1) will work for all your starts.  Your 2-3-1 will work.  Some indicate that a 5-2-3, or 3-1-2 ratio may be better, even a balanced fertilizer should be okay.  Once transplanted you should base your fertilizer on a soil test (Home | MSU Soil Test). check out the following link.

https://extension.psu.edu/potting-media-and-plant-propagation#:~:text=to%20their%20transplants.-,Supplemental%20Fertility,-Commercial%20organic%20potting

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2024, 8:51 PM EDT

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