When to begin adding nutes?

[killfrenzi]

When should I start adding nutes after seed sprouts? Also Just bought a "Grap Ape" clone 3 days ago, has been in FoxFarm OceanForest soil for 3 days, no nutes, when should I add nutes to the clone?

[WashougalWonder]

In my opinion, never if you stick with a consistent transplant process with the soil you are using. When they get transplanted, they essentially get fertilizer and buffers until the next transplant 4-6 weeks...and so on. I only use (now) molasses in the finishing stages.

You fertilize in this wonderful soil and you risk over fert.

[Bongojaz]

usually seedlings don't need nutes for around 11-14 days, or when you have 3 alternating internodes @ 1/4 strength.

[Sensibowl]

If you're growing in soil, you don't need to add anything for about four weeks. The natural nutrients in the soil can keep a seedling going for that long.

You don't want to add nutes right away since this can overwhelm the still developing system of the plant. Even in the beginning, try adding a little at a time so that you can give the plant what it needs without being too harsh.

Sometimes you can wait up to 6 weeks, depending on the plant, in my experience. It just seems like some folks are trying to be too nutrient heavy and that is just going to hurt your grow.

:jointsmile:

[killfrenzi]

awesome.... thank you for the input on the seedlings... now is there any input on when to add nutes for clone? Not sure the age of the clone but i have had since 5/3., and is 8" tall......?

[Bongojaz]

awesome.... thank you for the input on the seedlings... now is there any input on when to add nutes for clone? Not sure the age of the clone but i have had since 5/3., and is 8" tall......?
as soon as the clone is rooted, you can feed. unless the soil you're in is pre-ferted, (which is o.k. for clones, but not really for seedlings) you're gonna have to add ferts. some soils are amended with ferts (ffof) and some are not.

[michaelpeg]

usually seedlings don't need nutes for around 11-14 days, or when you have 3 alternating internodes @ 1/4 strength.

3 alternating nodes, wouldn't that be a little late? I usually dont have alternating nodes for over a month.

I have always had to feed my plants around 5 days otherwise they wont grow at all in soilless mixes. in foxfarm, i'd say 2 weeks but I have done only 1 grow with it and was not impressed for $50 a small bag.

[Bongojaz]

3 alternating nodes, wouldn't that be a little late? I usually dont have alternating nodes for over a month.

I have always had to feed my plants around 5 days otherwise they wont grow at all in soilless mixes. in foxfarm, i'd say 2 weeks but I have done only 1 grow with it and was not impressed for $50 a small bag.
i think you're thinking of staggered internodes, which is a sign they're mature. i'm talking about the first three sets of true leaves.

[WashougalWonder]

but I have done only 1 grow with it and was not impressed for $50 a small bag.

You are getting ripped off. I am paying about $12 a bag.

[michaelpeg]

You are getting ripped off. I am paying about $12 a bag.

foxfarm is impossible to get here so i had to have it shipped from the states, thats why it's rediculously expensive.


i think you're thinking of staggered internodes, which is a sign they're mature. i'm talking about the first three sets of true leaves.

you may be right, never heard the term staggered nodes before, always thought alternating nodes were when the 2 nodes did not come out at same time. good to know.

[killfrenzi]

Input much apprecieated. I currently have all 7 plants in 16oz dixie cups, The Grape Ape clone is going to be transplanted in about 1 more week. I will also start nutes @ 1/4 strength. It will be going into a 1gal pot for 4 weeks, then from there it will be going into a 5 gal bucket for the rest of its cycle.

As for the 6 seedlings. Hoping that they all turn into lil girlies;) They will be going into 1 gal pots for a total of 4 weeks or until sexing has occured. Then from their they will finally be transplanted into 18gal storage containers.... 2 plants per 18gal container. They will also be started @ 1/4 strength nutes after 1st transplant then they will all be going to half then full strength nutes.


Any input or advice on transplanting methods and nute feedings is much valued and always welcome,

Thanx,clone