We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Fertilizing Seedlings?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 7,129
Share

A gardener should avoid fertilizing seedlings as if they were full-grown plants. Seedlings are young plants and need to be treated with care. Too much fertilizer early on can actually do more harm than good. If the seedling must be fertilized, the fertilizer should be diluted and only a small amount applied. Ideally, the fertilizer will contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

Once the plants have the first set of true leaves, it is okay to begin fertilizing seedlings. True leaves are the leaves the plant will grow as it matures, rather than the cotyledons, which are the first two leaves to appear on the seedling. Cotyledons are actually part of the seed and are what feed the plant initially. If a gardener applies fertilizer when only the cotyledons are visible, she risks burning the plant and its roots or otherwise damaging it.

Initially, a diluted fertilizer should be used to fertilize seedlings. Ideally, a 25 percent solution of fertilizer should be applied. A gardener can produce the 25 percent solution by mixing one part fertilizer with three parts water.

Before fertilizing seedlings, the gardener should water the plants. A gentle spray should be used so that the roots are not disturbed. Once the soil is damp, she should give each seedling no more than a tablespoon (15 ml) of fertilizer.

When a gardener first begins fertilizing seedlings, she should not use the fertilizer too often. It should not be applied everyday. She may want to try fertilizing the plants every week or two. If the plants begin to grow tall and lanky-looking, that suggests she is using too much fertilizer and should cut back. Short, dwarf plants may require more fertilizer.

As the seedlings continue to grow and develop into mature plants, a gardener can begin to increase the concentration of fertilizer. Two weeks after she begins fertilizing seedlings, she can try increasing the concentration to 33 percent, then to 50 percent after another two weeks. She may need to reduce the concentration if the plants seem over-fertilized, though.

Plant and seedling fertilizer typically contains the three primary macro-nutrients needed, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Most fertilizers are labeled NPK for each respective nutrient along with a number next to each letter. For example, N10, P5, K5 means the fertilizer contains twice as much nitrogen as phosphorus and potassium. Plants need nitrogen to grow lush foliage, phosphorus for healthy roots and potassium to resist disease and retain moisture.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.
Discussion Comments
A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-fertilizing-seedlings.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.