when to start fertilizing seedlings

metree7

My chinese elm seedlings are about two and a half weeks old, and are on their second set of leaves. when should I start fertilizing them? Should I start with a diluted fertilizer solution and gradually build it up to full strength dose over time?

Eric Frei

What sort of medium are they growing in as some seed raising mix come with ferts and trace elements in it already?

I'd be very cautious fertilizing at this stage, I'd perhaps use diluted seaweed product and root growth enhancers that are used for transplants.

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Brent Ferris

There is usually no need to rush fertilizing seedlings unless you're trying to force them (which usually leads to a shorter life), or they are growing in a totally inert medium which has no nutrient value.. As Eric says, take it very slow, and give more info on the medium the seedlings are growing in.

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metree7

I think that the growing medium that they are growing in doesnt have that many nutrients in it. This is probably not the best growing medium, but I mixed about half peat moss with half pine bark fines and sand. Not the beach sand or sand box sand, but the gritty type that is used in bonsai soil. I will take your advice and hold off on the fertilizing untill they get a bit bigger. How about SuperThrive? Yes, I am trying to grow them fast, but not if they are going to live a shorter life span.

Brent Ferris

Chinese elm often grows in poor to impoverished soils and that it does well suggests it is capable of aggressively utilizing whatever nutrients are available in the soil. Peat moss often contains the accumulation of centuries of decayed organic matter -- which is the plants returning their nutrients to the soil, The real problem I could see would be low pH -- since peat moss is usually acidic, as are fines from pine bark. And low pH can make it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients, So try and monitor the pH and the moisture in the soil. BOth of these ingredients tend suck up water, and too much water can have deleterious effects

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)