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Re: More on Propagating Under Flourescents/Fertilizer

Donna Maroni wrote:
> 
> >
> > Tom Clothier provided a very informative and detailed list of other
> > factors that may affect success with seedlings, such as timing of
> > potting on, using deep pots, brushing seedlings to promote sturdy
> > growth, ensuring air movement, etc.
> 
> I take it that Tom mentioned fertilization.  When I first started raising
> things from seed, I just assumed 'soil' had everything the seedling
> needed.  Not true, darn it!  Especially with some of the so-called
> soilless mixes, fertilizer is essential.  In fact, when I fertilize, I
> sometimes see a seedling make a growth spurt overnight.
> 
> Now my question:  I have a brass siphon device that is intended for use
> with 16X concentrated liquid fertilizer.  Do any of you use these things.
> I have had great success with Peter's fertilizer, but the siphon soon
> clogs. I've been faithful about running clear water though the hose &
> siphon after each use, but it still clogs.  Is this avoidable?

Nah, somethings wrong there.  It shouldn't clog.  In fact, if you are
dissolving your fertilizer, I bet it isn't clogging.
It only works when you have an open hose.  You can't hook it up to a
nozzle that restricts the water flow at all.  Not even a lawn sprinkler
will work with it.  A fogging nozzle is out of the question, and most
any adjustable nozzle is, too.  You have to use a big rose, which will
break the water up, but still not knock everything down, or compact the
soil.

And, in your mentioning the fertilizer bit.....be aware that many
Peters  mixes DO NOT contain microelements in ENOUGH dose to assist the
plant.  If you are going to grow in peat based mixes, ask for the
formula 'Peat-Lite'.  Or you can mix Kelp Meal (I use a quart in 7 cu ft
of soil, but you really cannot overdose because it's organic) into the
soil mix when you pot up.  Or you can order MicroMax.  That is what I'm
going to use on my next order.  It's less expensive than Kelp Meal.
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