Is this N deficiency?

[simonH]

Hey Guys

 

These seeds are about 12-13 days since they first sprouted, and recently growth seems to have stopped.

 

They were germinated in tissue paper, then planted in jiffy peat pellets, then once roots were beginnign to poke out, I removed the netting and transferred into a mix of worm castings, compost, perlite, peat and high quality organic potting mix.

 

One of the plants is quite green, but the other is looking a bit limey, and yellow. Is this a sign of N deficiency or is it too early on? The taller plant seems ok, but that was actually planted after the shorter one.

 

Any reason why my growth seems slow?

 

Thanks for any help

 

Cheers

[Ferrethead]

The only way a plant that small could have N deficiency is if the roots are water logged and can't physically draw up what is needed.

 

Are you letting them dry out before watering?

[buzzo]

Soil mix might be too acidic or too wet like Ferret says.

[Lenore]

Just a hint for the future re jiffy's..... You don't need to take the netting off as it's biodegradable. and the roots will just smash it anyway.

[simonH]

Im watering every 2 days or so, and recently Ive been experimenting with bottom feed, so standing in a tray of water - I figure water will be draw up by itself due to capillary action?

 

Thanks regarding the Jiffy. My logic was that I thought th enetting could constrict the roots somewhat as it looks like it would be a waste of energy for the plant to push roots through the netting!

[The Hash Nibbler]

Like said above , too much watering, DO NOT stand in a tray, all ya doing is sucking back up all the salts that ran out like they should when you water.

Main part of your problem is Lockout, cause your PH is out and ya mix is too hot for seedlings to start in. Hence the total yellowing.

 

Peace. Nibbler.

[simonH]

Ok ditched the water tray.

 

I thoguht with organic grows, pH and too hot isn't a problme, as you cant really over fertilise with organic stuff (worm castings and compost).

 

Why do salts run out when you water - I though the plants need the salts, and the dissolved salts are the nutrients for the plant?

 

Also, I've read of some ppl growing in Coco using hydro nutrients, and standing in tray with no problem. How does that work?

 

Is there anything I can do to fix it, or will it be fine if I leave it for a few days?

[louise]

Ok ditched the water tray.

 

I thoguht with organic grows, pH and too hot isn't a problme, as you cant really over fertilise with organic stuff (worm castings and compost).

 

Why do salts run out when you water - I though the plants need the salts, and the dissolved salts are the nutrients for the plant?

 

Also, I've read of some ppl growing in Coco using hydro nutrients, and standing in tray with no problem. How does that work?

 

Is there anything I can do to fix it, or will it be fine if I leave it for a few days?

 

1. Yes you can burn plants and end up with the wrong pH using "organic" methods... it's just a little less likely to happen with well matured composts etc.

 

2. Yes, nutrient solutions are made up from different nutrient salts, the thing is the plant doesn't necessarily use all the nutirents added and some will form new compounds in the soil (or non soil medium) that the plant can't use. These excess salts will build up over time and need to be removed. The best way to remove excess salts is by flushing the pot with a lightly salty solution (I usually seaweed extract if I need to flush).

 

3. Yes, coco is used as a hydroponic medium. Usually it is top fed and used as a run to waste medium because of the way coco sheds certain nutrients... that means that the nutrient solution is dumped after running through the coco. The system you are describing sounds like a flood and drain table (I'm sure you can look that one up for an explanation of the mechanics). Coco is unlikely to be used in a flood and drain setup because the nutrient solution is usually reclaimed and used again... that said, I am sure someone is doing it, somewhere.

 

4. leave the plants until the pots have dried off and lost about half of their wet weight. If they are still yellowing they will need some nitrogen.

[ethnoman]

Yes, I agree with the others - almost certainly overwatering bud. Solid advice given so far.

Edited October 1, 2013 by ethnoman

[simonH]

Thanks guys

 

Will hold off on the watering and hope it goes better.

 

I've also just brewed some worm tea, using worm castings in water, and aerating with an air pump for 24 hours.

 

With the Coco, I will be trying 'hand watered hydroponics'. Gonna use Lucas formula to keep it simple.

 

I've read that you basically water the plant with the nutrient mix, and allow plenty of run off. Then whenever its almost dry, just go again. Some people say you should use plain water every other watering, what are peoples thoughts?

 

I've also bought an air pump, water pump, and some hydroton and rockwool, and want to try a DWC grow, or a top feed drip with DWC, or even a top feed recirculating with a reservoir (so have the pot with hydroton, a hole at the bottom, gravity drain into a reservoir, and have it recirculated, and replace the water every week), but wanna try hand watered first.

 

Cheers