Uh-oh!

[fresheadies]

Hey gang, long time toker, second-time grower. Now, I have two seedlings about 1 week old and they're about 1"-2" in height and I noticed that two of them have red/purple- crimson stems in the middle and expanding. I realize this was covered below but I've been told from many an experienced bud that it's a Nitrogen deficiency. To allay the problem I purchased dried blood at 12%N. Is this appropriate, or should I just leave the little guys be? Thanks!
P.S. Could this be a sign of over-watering too?

[stinkyattic]

yes it could easily be overwatering, or poor pH, are they in peat by any chance?
no blood meal they are too young

[fresheadies]

no, there are in potting soil in 9 oz. cups (for now). The pH should be acceptable ( it tested around 6.4-7.0). Thanks for the tip on the blood meal. When should I begin to use it if I have to?

[fresheadies]

Help please....:(

[fresheadies]

The soil I am using is Pro-Mix Organic for Fruits and Veggies, in 9'' plastic cups. I punched two drain holes in each cup. ANYone have an idea?

[stinkyattic]

promix= peat heavy
many folks love the stuff; i distrust it.

sounds like my initial diagnosis was dead on! lol
ph+wet
you shoudl get more drain holes going in those cups so that the soil almost dries out between waterings, and the peat can be trouble anyway... if you have a way to check your ph, do it...
keep pH between 6-5 anf 6-8. peat tests in the mid to high 4's... promix is meant to have lime in it already but i am like, meh, leyt me see that with my own eyes....

[fresheadies]

Yeah, I posted above that my PH came out between 6.2-7.0, so I am 99% sure the PH is legitimate. Speaking of watering though, I can see moisture throughout the cups (in the soil), but the top 2-3" of soil are bone dry. What should I be looking out for when I decide to water? My method is water day one, and then check the next two days and usually water on the third, but it's difficult to tell if they actually NEED water regardless. What should I look out for? I appreciate the pearls of wisdom stinky.

[stinkyattic]

So you're using clear cups?
The moment you see roots, transplant into something NOT clear.
More drain holes, slits, whatever so you can have even moisture throughout the pot.
I actually take a 1/2" paddle bit and drill holes up the sides of the pots that I flower in so that the soil does not dry unevenly.
Also, sounds like on your next transplant you should use more soil lightener. Add more perlite to the mix.
When the pot feels light, it's time to water.
6.2-7 is a broad range and if it's less than 6.5 or more than 6.8 you can still have problems.

[fresheadies]

Hmmmm, I see. I actually used a punch for my holes, but the bit sounds good as well. What's the purpose of the soil lightener in relation to the plant itself?

[stinkyattic]

Soil lightener aerates the root zone... as the water is used up, it is replaced by air, and the roots need oxygen as well as water to function properly.

Hole punch is IDEAL for plastic party cups... you can make the sides look like Swiss cheese, lol... but still make holes in the bottom too.