seedling question

[OrganicGrowerMi]

I just planted some seeds in sunshine #4 mix , they havent sprouted yet. I was wondering when I could start giving them some ewc and molasses tea?

 

[supermanlives]

if they haven't sprouted theres no reason to add nutes IMHO that being said ewc wont hurt any .

 

[ClackamasCootz]

Sunshine mixes are not a potting soil. They're called 'blank soils' by nurserymen. It only contains Sphagnum peat moss, some kind of aeration amendment, i.e. Perlite, Pumice & Vermiculite and that would depend on the specific product one is using.

With Mix #4, take 3x of this mix and add 1x EWC - now you have a fighting chance.

CC

 

[MildeStoner]

You will be fine if you just give them a top feed of castings (not too strong they're babies) and water in with a light molasses solution to help the microbes get going, careful not to overwater though.
I would suggest a richer mix for long term growth (or an aggressive feeding schedule), but if the pots they're in are just for the seedling stage what I suggested will work more than adequately.

 

[trichrider]

whatever cootz says, burn it into your brain...one of the few i pay attention to.

 

[ClackamasCootz]

OrganicGrowerMI

Root development from a sprouted seed is a function of enzymes and not 'nutes' or 'carbs' and vermicomposting is a function of enzymes. Bacteria & other microbes break down the matter resulting in a slime. That slime is ingested by composting worms where enzymes turn this slime into castings. Worms do not have a stomach. They can't 'eat' anything. Besides the internal enzymes, worms exude specific enzymes through their skins into the bedding to trigger specific microbial action to make more slime available, increasing the available food which results in increasing the total worm count in your bin.

Vermicompost can't be too 'rich' or 'hot' - that comes form growers adding too much unprocessed organic matter (OM) into their soil mixes. That is what causes 'nute burn' or whatever we're calling it today. Elements (nutes) are sequestered in vermicompost precluding any chance of damaging a seedling's emerging root system.

Watch this short video from Cornell University - Vermicompost: A Living Soil Amendment

Cornell University's School of Horticulture is one of the oldest in the world and in fact it is the (in)famous 'Cornell Mix' from 1938 that is the basis of all potting soils today.

HTH

CC

 

[MildeStoner]

All great info, but as he has already committed the seeds to soil do you really suggest repotting in suggested mix now?
The solution I offered was catering to his specific situation, and will allow the seedling to become established before transplanting whilst ensuring that they have enough food to survive the first week or two?
Also we are unsure of the quality of the castings at hand, or how well composted they are, hence my advise for caution when using them on unsprouted seeds, we both know what a hot spot in the wrong place could do then...

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge advocate of organic living soil and working in unison with the soil food web to produce superior end product, and have seen a cutting grow in a work farm full of worms with no negative consequences

 

[vertigo0007]

OrganicGrowerMI

Root development from a sprouted seed is a function of enzymes and not 'nutes' or 'carbs' and vermicomposting is a function of enzymes. Bacteria & other microbes break down the matter resulting in a slime. That slime is ingested by composting worms where enzymes turn this slime into castings. Worms do not have a stomach. They can't 'eat' anything. Besides the internal enzymes, worms exude specific enzymes through their skins into the bedding to trigger specific microbial action to make more slime available, increasing the available food which results in increasing the total worm count in your bin.

Vermicompost can't be too 'rich' or 'hot' - that comes form growers adding too much unprocessed organic matter (OM) into their soil mixes. That is what causes 'nute burn' or whatever we're calling it today. Elements (nutes) are sequestered in vermicompost precluding any chance of damaging a seedling's emerging root system.

Watch this short video from Cornell University - Vermicompost: A Living Soil Amendment

Cornell University's School of Horticulture is one of the oldest in the world and in fact it is the (in)famous 'Cornell Mix' from 1938 that is the basis of all potting soils today.

HTH

CC

And that, folks, is what you call "hitting the nail right on the head". Thanks cootz

 

[OrganicGrowerMi]

Thanks a lot....I see that I'm gonna have to go a read up in your threads. I really appreciate the info

 

[ClackamasCootz]

disregard.....