Maximum Yield Australia/New Zealand 2020 September/October | Page 48

Nurturing
nature
Knowing When to Start Seedlings
on Fertiliser and Nutrients
Delicate seedlings need
a little extra attention and
knowledge to help them grow
big and strong. Follow Kate
Van Druff’s advice on growing
conditions, nutrients, and
fertiliser to get your seedlings
to the next level.
by Kathryn M. Van Druff
Few things about gardening are as
gratifying as watching a tiny seed
become a flourishing plant. Flowers,
herbs, fruit, vegetables, ornamentals
— the possibilities of what you can
grow are endless and the journey is
memorable year after year.
Many variables come into play as
simple seeds start their lifecycles.
Starting seeds indoors or outside relies
on factors such as the climate and
natural or artificial lighting conditions.
The timing of planting also comes into
play, where seedlings started indoors
too early in the season and without
suitable lighting can become leggy and
thin rather than healthy and robust. Of
course, the selected planting medium
can also impact the quality of the
seedlings you grow, where some potting
mixes contain nutrients right from the
start and others are merely, well, dirt.
Finding the perfect balance of
growing conditions and nutrients isn’t
always easy. This article will help
you to discover the best nutrients and
fertilisers for your seedlings and when
you should apply them.
Understanding Essential
Macronutrients for Seedlings
Introducing fertilisers and nutrients
for seedlings can boost growth and
production for your plants. Plants
require many different nutrients
to thrive, particularly oxygen,
hydrogen, carbon, which they get
through water and air, as well as
potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen,
which need to be added through
fertilisation. These key nutrients tend
to be the most important, but you’ll
also want to consider micronutrients
that can also fortify your seedlings for
their best potential.
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Maximum Yield