We all like our gardens to be adorned with beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. And the seedling care and germination journey is a beautiful one for a plant. However, it requires our love and attention to fertilize seedlings. In modern times, we often use fertilizers for long-term growth and healthy plants. Hence it’s necessary to know when to start fertilizing seedlings for a bountiful garden.
So whether you are a farmer or a nature lover. Being equipped with the right knowledge of seedlings and their time of fertilizing comes very handy for gardening. In common terms, Fertilization is the process of providing good Nutrients to young seedlings for their healthy growth. And also improving their fertility. Although seed possesses the required nutrients for germination and establishing the root systems initially. However, as the plant seedlings grow, the Nutrients present in the cotyledons of seeds are not enough.
Making Fertilizing an important step to promote the growth and development of the plant seedlings. Fertilization ensures there are enough nutrients for roots, shoots, and leaves, leading to strong mature plants.
1. When to Start Fertilizing Seedlings?
The ideal time to start feeding and fertilizing the seedlings is when you start noticing the growth of the first set of true leaves. Also known as the seed starting. Cotyledons have the nutrients required for the development of true leaves of seedlings. And are already present in the seedlings’ embryos.
The leaves present above the Cotyledons are the set of true leaves. And this growth indicates that nutrients earlier stored in Cotyledons have depleted. So Once these leaves appear in your seedlings. Consider giving them a nice boost of added nutrients.
This first set of true leaves is the actual foliage of the seed embryo in plants. And their appearance suggests that our little seedlings need some additional nutrients for nourishment. The appearance of true leaves varies according to the plant species. As found in diverse shapes and sizes. Generally, it’ll be a few weeks after germination. For the development of true leaves in seedlings.
2. What are Cotyledons?
The First time a seedling grows and peaks out of the soil, they develop their cotyledons. In a way, cotyledons look different from your actual leaves. The primary function is to absorb the sunlight. And convert it into food and then sent it to the entire plant. For its nourishment during growth. This continues till the first set of cotyledons leaves gets developed enough to perform their regular duties. As the seedlings grow, you’ll notice cotyledons seem to fall off and turn yellow.
And these plants require some additional nutrients for growth, after initially developing the set of true leaves. So check the leaves first. And then you can see when to start fertilizing the seeds. The University of Iowa suggests fertilizing seedlings when they are grown to three inches tall. Plus this time also lines with potting your growing seedlings. And to have plants grow through transplantation.
A recommended school of thought would suggest fertilizing after a few weeks. Some experts also recommend a lower level of fertilization in the initial stages only. That could include the time you’ve potted the plant.
3. Why Do Seedlings Need Fertilization?
Seedlings require a fertilizer that contains a good amount of phosphorus. These are like superfoods for seedlings and plants in their growing stage. They contribute to strong and full plants, with healthy root growth. And also helps in photosynthesis.
The immature young plants are more in need of phosphorus nutrients as compared to older ones. For ensuring good growth of young plants. Along with phosphorus, nitrógeno is also very necessary. So always go for Fertilizers with balanced ratios of phosphorus and nitrogen. However, make sure you don’t give large doses of Fertilizer than recommended.
That means always adding fertilizer by diluting it, and not its concentrated form. Additionally, seedlings also need adequate light for being upright with straight stems.
4. What To Use for Fertilization of Seedlings?
We all know plants require certain nutritional values. For their healthy growth and development. Therefore the selection of the right Fertilizer ensures long-term growth and maturity. Also, water-soluble fertilizers are always better than granular Fertilizers for quick absorption in plants. And a balanced proportion of nutritional values rather than excessive amounts. We’ll come across two types of Fertilizers that are commonly utilized. Such as Liquid Fertilizer and Organic fertilizer
4.1 Liquid Fertilizers
These fertilizers are water-soluble Nutrients in nature. And applying with a spray bottle is beneficial. Fortunately are available in various formulations. Seedlings need phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen in the ratio 2:2:3. Also known in science as n p k ratio.
These numbers represent percentages such as 2% hydrogen, 2% nitrogen, and 3% potassium in the Fertilizers. It is interesting to know the properties of each Nutrient in the development of plants. And Phosphorus helps our seed by supporting future root development and fruit flower production. Nitrogen enhances the growth of leaves. And lastly, potassium ensures the seedlings are healthy. And is disease resistant as well.
A Balanced Fertilizer ensures a perfect blend of essential nutrients for the seedlings. Therefore, Fertilizing seedlings with these elements is necessary.
4.2 Organic Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers originate from natural sources and are an excellent additional Fertilizer. Especially the people who love organic gardening. However, It’s quite challenging to fertilize with organic materials because of the ratio of nutrition composition. When compared to synthetic fertilizers. As synthetic Liquid Fertilizers are already in their exact percentages with labels on them.
These fertilizers come from animal, natural, and plant-based particles present in our surroundings. Their concentration level of nutrients is hard to tell. And varies due to certain raw materials. And require extra care and monitoring for observing any deficiencies.
4.2.1 Compost
The most generally used fertilizer is compost. The nutrient content of such Fertilizers also varies. And are made up of manures and natural organic materials. Some materials include crop residues, kitchen waste, animal manure, and straw bedding. This process involves the decomposition or breakdown of organic materials. In the presence of oxygen and can be easily done in your lawns.
4.2.2 Fish Emulsion
Fish Emulsion is a mild fast acting Fertilizer. Made using byproducts of fishing industries. Fish Emulsion is generously enriched with Phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. Plus also has tons of additional Nutrients. Such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur, sodium, and chlorine. You can apply fish emulsion using a foliar spray, through a soil drench, or directly add it to the compost pit.
4.2.3 Seaweed Fertilizer
Seafood fertilizer practice for fertilizers is a century-old tradition. It aims to harness the healthy nutrients and minerals present in seaweed. Kelp is the most abundant nutrient present in liquid Seaweed fertilizers. Modern methods dry and crush the seaweed plant or juice ( liquid kelp)to get the liquid Nutrients. The application method may include soil drenches, various granular Fertilizers, and foliar feeds.
Apart from these methods. Worm castings are also one of the richest natural fertilizers known to us. Worm casting is miraculous. And can provide enough nutrition for a potted plant as well outdoor garden. They are great natural growth stimulators for healthy and strong plants.
And releases all the nutrients very slowly. So if you’re a green lover. Choosing organic fertilization causes less environmental contamination and minimizes nutrient loss.
5. Ideal Techniques for Fertilizing the Seedlings
The techniques and methods of application are important for a happy seedling. Focus on slowly diluting the fertilizers and then spraying them on the plant.
5.1 Foliar Feeding
Foliar Feeding is the Direct application of fertilizers. And spraying into the leaves. And this method positively results in the good quick absorption of nutrients through the leaf. This way the plant absorbs nutrients through the leaf surface. And is much quicker absorption than the stem and root.
To feed the seedlings, we need to dilute the liquid fertilizer according to the instructions. And directly apply Fertilizer through a foliar spray. This technique is most beneficial in the morning. So that the leaves can absorb the Balanced Fertilizer and dry before nightfall.
5.2 Soil Drenching Technique
Soil drenching involves directly pouring the diluted fertilizer solution onto the surface of the soil. And applying around the Seedlings. This direct contact ensures there is less Fertilizer. So it is more efficient in practice. And allows the Nutrients to slowly seep into the root zones. And in the meanwhile, the seedling absorbs the liquid.
5.3 Bottom Watering
Bottom watering includes providing plain water to Seeds from the bottom up. And involves applying to the soil. Then add liquid fertilizer to the water reservoir present at the bottom water seedlings or seedlings tray. In this, the bottom water seedlings will draw water-soluble fertilizer, water, and nutrients from the roots as required.
5.4 Fertilizer Pellets
The slow-release Fertilizer Pellets are granular, hence a granular Fertilizer. And slowly releases the nutrients into the seed tray over time. Add the Fertilizer Pellets to the seed starting mix. Before you sow the seeds into the seed can. So the seed trays have a steady supply channel for nutritions elements in the seedlings.
6. Precautions during Fertilization of Seedlings
It is necessary to ensure the healthy development of plants and avoid over-fertilization of young seedlings. And to wisely choose the best liquid or organic fertilizer. And for that taking some precautions is the best possible way.
6.1 Dilution Ratio
For the correct dilution ratio always follow the instructions. Mentioned in the manufacturer’s label of the liquid fertilizer. Diluting it to around half and adding fertilizer to a quarter. This is the suggested amount for mature plants. And usually appropriate for seedlings. Too much fertilizer tends to harm our plants. And cause nutrient imbalances and root burn. And other damaging problems for healthy plants.
6.2 Say No to Fertilizing Early Seedlings
Avoid Fertilizing seedlings in the early germination period. As the cotyledons present are enough to naturally fertilize seedlings. And also support the nutrient requirements of the seedlings in the beginning. Applying Fertilizer at this stage can lead to imbalance. And are counterproductive to feeding seedlings.
6.3 Regular Watering
Always make sure that your seedlings regularly receive light and water. Ensuring not to overwater or underwater the seedlings. As it can lead to stressed seedlings and undergrowth. Good Proper irrigation and watering stimulate good nutrient absorption. Facilitating easy plant distribution.
6.4 Transplanting Tips to Keep in Mind!
If you’re planning to transfer the seedlings after certain growth into large containers, raised beds, or trays. Then you should stop Fertilizing the young seedlings. Mostly a few days before the transplantation. You can transfer from Seed trays to large pots of 3-4 inches. Sometimes transplanting process can be stressful for younger plants. So pausing the fertilization helps lift off stress. And minimizes the phenomena of transplant shock.
7. Monitoring the Response of Seeds
7.1 Healthy and Strong Growth
To analyze the effectiveness of Fertilization. Always observe the growth of the young seedlings. An application of an ideal Fertilizer should yield positive results and steady growth. As strong roots are the key to healthy plants. Coupled with good Fertilization, seedlings will soon have a robust root system. And works efficiently in soil by accessing water and nutrients. Plus also ensure, the potting soil is healthy and good for stimulating Growth.
7.2 Notice the Green Colors
A sign of healthy seedlings lies in their different colour palettes. A deep green vibrant in colour, should be good news. As pale or yellowing leaves indicate a deficiency of certain nutritional elements. Such as nitrogen or iron. And notice some signs of over-fertilization carefully. Including wilting of leaves, leaf burn, or stunted growth. Also if you do notice these signs. Then consider reducing the doses of Fertilizer or diluting and reducing its strength. Hence ensure that it is balanced Fertilizer.
Also, check out 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow for Your Home Garden!
Conclusion
Fertilizing seedlings at the ideal time is necessary for nurturing the growth of the young seedlings. Understanding germination, and choosing the right techniques for fertilizing with good quality fertilizer are the stages of good fertilization. Not only understanding the right time but knowing proper care before and after matters a lot. When thinking of embellishing your gardens with fruits and flowers. Always keep these tips in mind. Hope you enjoyed reading and will implement these gardening tips and tricks, So Happy Gardening!
Last Updated on by Laveleena Sharma