Seedlings and Nutes

[Token LaRoche]

First post here, but been lurking awhile. I've learned a lot (thanks!)

Planning a first grow starting in a couple weeks. I'm pretty well set up. Have seeds, can germinate. The last time I tried this, smoking the leaves was cool. It's been a long while and a lot has changed.

My plan is to use a coco/perlite mix and the Fox Farms hydro chemistry for the plant food. Purchased and ready to go.

My question is really simple: When do you introduce the nutes? I've been reading a lot and there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. Some say wait until there are 4 nodes; others say you can wait until first transplant. The Fox Farms cheat sheet starts at week 1. Just looking for some guidance...

Any thoughts?

Feel free to treat me like an idiot at this stage -- you won't be far wrong. :lmao:

Thanks in advance.

Token LaRoche Reviewed by Token LaRoche on 02-18-2013. Seedlings and Nutes First post here, but been lurking awhile. I've learned a lot (thanks!) Planning a first grow starting in a couple weeks. I'm pretty well set up. Have seeds, can germinate. The last time I tried this, smoking the leaves was cool. It's been a long while and a lot has changed. My plan is to use a coco/perlite mix and the Fox Farms hydro chemistry for the plant food. Purchased and ready to go. My question is really simple: When do you introduce the nutes? I've been reading a lot Rating: 5

[growhand420]

haha i like this guy!!! you seem to be totally rational so heres what i think...
you cant find a definite answer because every is just poking around the bush when they add nutes its what works best for you really
but a seedling doesnt need anything exept water and light so adding any nute for the first couple of weaks could risking burning them
i wouls say add nutes around 3 to 4r weeks (thats why people say 4 internodes high) from seeds and start with 1/4 doses and then work your way up to full doses
and dont add nutes a weak after transplant because the roots havent rooted in yet and couls shock your plant causeing a stunt in growth
hope this helps!!!

[bitemybud]

My plan is to use a coco/perlite mix and the Fox Farms hydro chemistry for the plant food. Purchased and ready to go.

My question is really simple: When do you introduce the nutes? I've been reading a lot and there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. Some say wait until there are 4 nodes; others say you can wait until first transplant. The Fox Farms cheat sheet starts at week 1. Just looking for some guidance...

Any thoughts?

Feel free to treat me like an idiot at this stage -- you won't be far wrong. :lmao:

Thanks in advance.

The answer is as mentioned. You don't need nuters until you have roots. You generally have solid roots when you see 4-5 alternating nodes. This is fact!

As far as the answer to wait until transplant...I might've been the poster on that also; But; That recommendation is for soil grows when using a soil wit nutritional benefits/additives already in the soil. I find that the plant grows great in an amended soil until time to transplant into the :bloom" pot which is 3 gallon and up.

Hope this clarifies this subject for you.

As far as stress on the plant during transplant: I add nutrients at the same time I transplant. In fact; I clone off bottom foliage, transplant, and add nutrients as well as change the photo period to 12/12 all in the same night. Some will argue about this, but All the waiting and dark periods, etc, etc...are not necessary. IMO. Good Luck

[Token LaRoche]

Thanks for the tips! Been real busy here, but hope to be more active in the forums soon.

Started my seeds a week ago Wednesday -- just two seeds, of the White Rhino variety. They both sprouted in about 24 hours (paper towel in a baggie in a warm place method) but one seemed a little slow. Planted the seeds in a mix of coco coir and perlite in plastic cups. Ph adjusted tap water only, no nutes. Now have two plants, but one seems really stunted. The other seems okay. Couple pictures (if I can make that work):

Attachment 290166Attachment 290167

Both of these plants have received the exact same treatment. One seems to be doing fine, but the other seems real stunted and looks more like it's dyin' than growin'. Any hope for it? I started a couple more seeds today in hopes that this pass might get me two plants that work out. All a learning experience at this point, and I'm trying not to "mother" them too much.

[Token LaRoche]

Might be interested in doing a grow log, too. Should I?

[Shovelhandle]

sure, do a log. even if noone ever replies yu'll have a documentation of your notes and photos. You can't lose. I've done more than a dozen logs.

[Token LaRoche]

First grow here; well not quite. Grew a bit of pot back in the 80's, but that was before anybody knew what they were really doing. I remember buying pot for around $25 an ounce in the mid-70's. Wasn't bad, but stems & seeds... Yeah, I'm old. Went about 25 years without and just "rediscovered" pot about a year ago. Damn, man... It's so much better today.

I'm keeping a log and will make it public if I have time. Like what I see here.