Inert? Yeah, that's a better description... I don't think coco has any nutrients at all. And I'm pretty sure that's the problem (my solution today - ha!). I've been going on the advice that you shouldn't add any nutes until you have 4 leaves (even asked this specific question). But, it seems like that's for growing in soil which actually does have some nutrients and the goal of waiting there is to avoid over-fertilizing the very young plants. Since coco coir has no food to begin with, it looks like you have to fertilize from the very start. Maybe someone here who knows the specifics can clarify? Coco is more like a hydroponic grow where feeding is concerned. And I still have no idea what I'm doing, but I think I'm learning! :lol:

So, I mixed up a batch of fertilized water this morning. pH balanced it. Interesting -- with the plant food added, I had to use pH UP to get it to 6.0. Half-strength Fox Farms hydro stuff and flushed all 3 plants with it. I've got three plants in various stages. One is over 2 weeks old -- still alive, but I bet I shocked it beyond repair. The second one has been in the "dirt" for about a week. #3 seed was just planted yesterday.

Thanks for your comments!! I'll for sure be back with status reports & pictures, but think I'm on the right track. Definitely wasn't born with a green thumb, but I'm determined to learn.