The Grass Doctor

What's a good fertilizer for seedlings and in what major store can I buy it in the Dallas area?

I have 1-month 2 inches seedlings and some people on GardenWeb told me to use a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Is that a good idea? Should it be liquid or powder? Should I give it with water underneath the tray, or simply sprinkle it on the seedlings?

Public Comments

1. Buy .something like Miracle Grow that you dissolve in water and water your plants from above with it. Wal Mart makes a version of it that is just as good and costs much less. Read the package for how much you put in a gallon of water. DO NOT use the type you use in the garden that you sprinkle on the top of soil or mix it. It may be too concentrated for your tender seedlings. If you use a weak solution, you can use it every time you water, otherwise water with it once a week.
2. It depends on the type of soil you have. It's possible that 10-10-10 is perfect. You might want to go to a local nursery and ask there. They'll know about your soil type, which fertilizer to recommend, and how to apply it. I always mix my fertilizer in water and sprinkle it over the top, I've had good luck with that.
3. I dont fertilize seedlings, they have all the nutrients they need. Once the roots start to develop, repot in potting soil and that will have all the nutrients they need.
4. Sounds like you might be using a hydroponic system with the mention of a tray or you could be using soil and referring to the tray to catch excess water. Either way, as a master grower I use FloraGro, FloraMicro & FloraBloom for all plants and trees. They are liquid and come with an easy to use chart that explains how much to mix per gallon of water. I use hydroponics, however, the Flora Series is excellent for any growing application, soil in a pot, dirt in the ground or hydroponics. It is far superior to Miracle Grow and they aren't expensive. The liquid system provides essential nutrients throughout the life of your plant plus beneficial micro nutrients. There's a link at the bottom to check out the makers of the Flora Series and their feeding schedule. I order mine from plantlightinghydroponics.com because it's cheaper there. The only care to make when mixing is to never mix the concentrated nutrients together, they will lock-out nutrients. Only mix into water, never mix in concentrate with each other. Ex: 1 gallon of clean water, add 1/2 tsp of FloraGro then mix, then add 1/2 of FloraMicro, then mix, then add 1/2 of FloraBloom, then mix. It's really easy and you can pre-mix and keep in a jug for future use.
5. Miracle Grow watered down is your best bet.
6. The best fertilizer for seedlings is fish emulsion. It is mild and organic so it won't burn the tender roots of your new little plants. Use the dilution rate recommended on the package. This product is readily available in any garden shop. I hope this will help you!