Hey everyone! I'm new to starting seeds and I've noticed some yellowing on the leaves of my seedlings. I'm worried they might be doomed. Could this be a sign that I'm overwatering them, or do they need some fish fertilizer for additional nutrients? I've been reading mixed opinions on when to up pot them, so I'm not sure if that's also a factor. I understand that I need to thin out the double plants to just one per cell. I've been watering every couple of days, letting the soil dry out a bit before I do. I'm really enjoying the process, but I'm anxious about whether they will survive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 🙂
3 Answers
Nice start on your gardening journey! The yellow leaves could be a sign of a few issues, but overwatering is the most common culprit. Make sure to let that soil dry out a bit before watering again. If you’re mixing fish fertilizer into your routine, do so lightly until the plants show they need it. And congratulations on managing to keep the joy in this process—it's super rewarding when you see progress!
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, so it might be time to tweak your watering routine. Once the seeds sprout, they really need a balance of air and moisture. Aim for damp soil rather than soggy. Letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings can help prevent rot.
Also, make sure your pot has good drainage; stagnant water can be harmful. As for thinning, using sharp scissors to snip the extras is a smart choice. Just hold off on repotting until you see roots poking out of the drainage holes. When you do transplant, keep it gentle with the roots; they need to stay intact to avoid transplant shock.
Remember, as long as there's still some green, there's hope!
Just a little tip: monitor your watering carefully and consider skipping a few days if things look too wet. The roots need to breathe, and soil that’s too wet for too long can lead to problems. Thinning seedlings by cutting is definitely the way to go! And remember, don’t rush into up potting. Let the roots guide you—if they’re crowded, that’s your cue.
Also, when you do transplant, focus on keeping that rootball intact to give your seedlings the best start!
Thank you!! That really helps!