seed raising mix and fertiliser

[greentoe]

Hi all, 

just about to start my first grow (outdoor) and I've seen Yates Seed Raising Mix (http://www.yates.com.au/products/pots-and-potting-mix/special-purpose-potting-mix/yates-seed-raising-mix/) suggested by a few members here, would it require any perlite or is it OK as is?

also a mate told me to use Yates Thrive Soluble All Purpose Plant Food (http://www.yates.com.au/products/fertilising/water-soluble/thrive-soluble-all-purpose-plant-food/) once a week once the seedlings have been established but I have also read that any fertiliser in these early stages is a bad idea? thoughts?

 

[pegz]

Don't need perlite.

 

The fert won't hurt them but they won't need it at first.

[itchybromusic]

tried yates , came no where near the performance of searles seed raising mix http://www.searles.com.au/PottingMixes.html & myco,

roots went though it like a hot knife though butter, a very soft lite peat mix

 

i added no perlite just some mycoapply maxx http://www.maiaustralia.com.au/store/store.php?crn=208

 

searles brand sold at masters ,

Edited October 5, 2013 by itchybromusic

[greentoe]

thnx for the info! will give searles a go

[kilindi]

yates is fine ime, but i've never come across searles before. does it have good drainage?

[Lenore]

I've tried seed raising mixes in the past, and because of their high bark content, my seedlings (canna) always came up munted.

Now, I only use jiffy pellets, then pot up into a 60/40 (roughly) mix of coco/perlite.

Never looked back.

[itchybromusic]

Katt have a look at searles seed raising mix absolutely nothing like those mixes you mentioned

peat based & no half tree logs in the mix 

 

Searles Seed Raising Mix

With fertiliser

• Certified AS 3743 for seedling mix.
• Contains high percentage of Peat Moss.
• Searles Penetraide® Re-wetting Granules.
• High germination performance.
• Contains fertilisers for up to transplanting (approx. two-leaf stage).
• A light fine textured soft blend containing Peat Moss.
• Water absorbent formula.
• Excellent aeration properties for good root growth and establishment.
• Searles® quality guaranteed product.

• Available sizes: 6 Litres, 10 Litres, 12 Litres, 30 Litres & 50 Litres.

 

If you can be bothered do a side by side , peat pellet vs searles seed raise , you'll be surprised , very surprised 

Edited October 8, 2013 by itchybromusic

[Lenore]

Doesn't sound too bad.

I'll still stick to my jiffy's all the same. I don't like any medium that's already got food in it personally.

[itchybromusic]

No worries Katt 

I was a jiffy seeder too , not anymore, the root development was outstanding with searles , really lite & airy stuff

i got twice to three times the growth with searles & myco added & when due seasol or rhizo then starting with peat pellets

 

each to there own i guess  

 

Cheers

[Lenore]

That's it. Each to their own. I have my own lil tricks.