Fertilize Seedlings?

[so lucky]

When (if ever) do you start to give your seedlings fertilizer as they grow? In the past I have waited till they are set out in the garden, but I am wondering if a weak dose of fish fertilizer now and then while they are still inside would be a good idea or a bad one? I kind of doubt if the potting mix they are in has much in the way of available nutrients. What do you do?

 

[NwMtGardener]

I wait until they have their first true set of leaves, at least. Not the first 2 leaves that poke out of the soil, the next pair. And i also use a very dilute fertilizer. I dont measure the dilution, i just make sure its dilute...maybe if you're supposed to add a tablespoon of fertilizer to a gallon of water, i would do half or a little less than that?

 

[catjac1975]

My seedlings are a pretty good size started in seed starting formula. They look good and healthy but some of the lower leaves are a bit pale. I am going to give them some weak fish emulsion and or kelp to help them along. It is a long time before I can plant them out.

 

[Lavender2]

It depends on what type of soil I'm using and how long they will be in the pots.
I have not used the soilless seed starter lately, but when I did I would transplant to potting mix or use 1/2 strength fertilizer after about 3-4 weeks, once a week.

I use professional potting mix (no fertilizer) to start seeds now and may fertilize if the seedlings will be potted for more than 6 weeks or so. Like Cat suggested, if they look like they need a boost. No fertilizer during hardening off though, and none for the herbs. I try not to overdo it with the peppers also, they may get a shot if they look like they need it.

 

[Smart Red]

I seldom use a fertilizer on seedlings, but agree that a very diluted solution would be all that I would want to apply.