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Think seedlings need feeding

Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
in Problem solving
Some of my seedlings look to have a yellow tinge, am I right in thinking they are short of nitrogen? They've only been in the 'multi purpose compost' (admittedly it was a cheap one) less than a couple of weeks. Surely the compost should have carried them through to the next stage of their lives?

Compost looks a bit wet, I did water them yesterday after me keeping them on the dry side for a couple of days because of the cold snap. On the surface of the compost by the stocks there looks to be a green tinge, I'm minded this could be a fungus - it doesn't look good.

I've got some Phostogen All Purpose plant food, and some fish-blood-bone. I'm thinking that the next time I water I should water in some Phostogen?

I used to spray seedlings with Cheshunt Compound just after I pricked them out, but that's now banned I believe - so what should I use instead to stop the dreaded 'damping off'? Or is this step not advised nowadays?

Also, I'm thinking of adding some fish-blood-bone to the compost when I prick out the other seedlings - just in case and for luck. Are others doing this?

The seedlings are on a raised bed under a small tunnel/cloche. After the cold recent nights the polythene cover is drenched on the inside in the mornings. As soon as the frost had gone both ends of the cloche were opened for a bit of a through draft.

The seeds were germinated (in the main) on a bed of coir topped with vermiculite before they were pricked out.

Weather forecast predicts night time temperatures are on the rise  :)  OH I do hope so! 

Thank you for any suggestions :)


Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
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  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Seedlings don't need feeding.
    Young plants should not need feeding either. There is at least 6 weeks food in MPC.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Time to prick them into individual pots of fresh compost.  That green film of algae will start to cause problems  soon. It seals the surface so that water doesn't go through.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think the main problem is that they're very wet, and the medium isn't free draining enough, hence the green sludge. You're maybe moving them on too soon as well.
    If the compost is poor, and some are, it would be better to add some garden soil or similar to give it more oomph, and some Perlite or similar mixed through that to ensure drainage is good. That would be a better mix for seeds in general, and would be hearty enough for seedlings once potted on. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    edited April 2022
    punkdoc said:
    Seedlings don't need feeding.
    Young plants should not need feeding either. There is at least 6 weeks food in MPC.
    Thank you, I didn't know they don't need feeding, but I am worrying about the quality of the MPC.

    fidgetbones said:
    Time to prick them into individual pots of fresh compost.  That green film of algae will start to cause problems  soon. It seals the surface so that water doesn't go through.
    Plant pots and 'better' compost is arriving Tuesday - thank goodness for the warmer weather outlook - thank you @fidgetbones

    Fairygirl said:
    I think the main problem is that they're very wet, and the medium isn't free draining enough, hence the green sludge. You're maybe moving them on too soon as well.
    If the compost is poor, and some are, it would be better to add some garden soil or similar to give it more oomph, and some Perlite or similar mixed through that to ensure drainage is good. That would be a better mix for seeds in general, and would be hearty enough for seedlings once potted on. 
    Great idea about the soil and perlite, can see I'll need to add perlite to the mix. Thank you @Fairygirl

    Thanks you for replying - panic is over I think, at least for now :)









    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    It looks like pretty rubbish compost to be fair.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It isn't the best by the look of it!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    From Wickes.... trouble is.... it's the garden's first year, and it is starting from nothing. Everything seems so expensive so I'm having to financially pace myself. The compost is/was a bit 'farmyard pongy' which added to my suspicions and the worry it might 'burn' the seedlings. Think it's a true saying that 'generally' you get what you pay for.
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    To be honest @Jenny_Aster, many people are finding huge variations in the quality of composts, so you aren't alone in that. Some are only fit for mulching. 
    Not much consolation if it's affecting the growth and health of the plants though.  :/

    I tried the MiracleGro peat free one earlier, and so far, the seeds sown have done ok. Mostly sweet peas and lettuce. I got some lovely stuff the other day at the local mill near here - they do animal foodstuffs mainly, but have got compost and other things as well. It was only when I walked that route that I saw it. Not peat free, but frankly, I'm doing some trials to see what works best, and I'll make a judgement after that. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    In the meantime, you can use something like an old table fork to scrape off some of the green algae if you like.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Thanks @JennyJ - never thought of that [smacks forehead]  :)
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
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