Tomato seeds started. Should I fertilize them now?

Discussion in 'Seed Starting / Propagation' started by woodwaster, Apr 6, 2014.

  1. woodwaster

    woodwaster New Seed

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2014
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    pa.
    I started tomato seeds mostly heirlooms on 3 -16-14 ,had good germ. plants are about 2 inches tall but there is no signs of true leaves. my question is should I fertilize them now? I have liquid seaweed fertilizer 0-0-1.think this will help with pushing true leaves? or am I worrying for not. I am afraid to mess them up . thanks woodwaster
     
  2. Loading...


  3. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Messages:
    11,532
    Likes Received:
    13,989
    Location:
    Central Texas, zone 8
    I don't fertilize my tomato seedlings (or any seedlings) until the true leaves appear, and then at half or quarter-strength of the recommended dosage.
    Seeds and Mother Nature have their own timeline, and we just have to wait and be patient!
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    29,088
    Likes Received:
    6,282
    Location:
    Scotland
    I don't fertilize either until a set of true leaves appear.
     
  5. poodledoodlemom

    poodledoodlemom Seedling

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2014
    Messages:
    165
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Georgetown, TX
    What kind of fertilizer do y'all use? I guess I should be fertilizing mine!
     



    Advertisement
  6. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2010
    Messages:
    11,532
    Likes Received:
    13,989
    Location:
    Central Texas, zone 8
    PDM, I use manure tea, which is about two cups of well-rotted steer manure in a gallon of water. The proportions aren't critical, since it is a mild fertilizer and the plant uses only what it needs.
    For new seedlings, I double the water to manure ratio and apply it every other time I water.
    And, always water from the bottom!
     
  7. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,332
    Likes Received:
    4,860
    I use whatever I have. Commercial or or organic, manure or a plant compost. I don't fertilize until there are true leave, either. Also, don't fertilize unless the sun is shining. Otherwise you are wasting the fertilizer.
     

Share This Page