Close up of larger ones

Close up of smaller ones sowed on 25 Jan.

It's funny you mention the tomato fertilizers.. I just found some inexpensive Jobe's fertilizer spikes that I bought for my peppers, but not sure if they are ok since they say they're for tomatoes. I figured I could try on one plant to see if it makes any difference. I usually mix up diluted MG granules in water & give that every 3rd or 4th watering ..then I will gradually increase that as they grow.

Do not use the fertilizer spikes...those things have burned a lot of plants!

Bill, my vote is for buy something else. The "organics" simply won't perform as efficiently in containers, and the NPK numbers on those ferts are all wonky.

For simple, get some Miracle Grow in a 3:1:2 ratio, such as 12-4-8, 24-8-16, et cetera. Supplement with some Cal Mag or other Calcium and Magnesium fertilizer.

Josh

Thanks all for the advice.

Josh, do you prefer liquid soluble ferts or granules? I am trying to find the "one" fert that I can use on my growing seedlings and still use on my plants when they are put in 5 Gal containers for zone 8b.

Bill

I greatly prefer a liquid soluble, but I also use Osmocote slow-release.

The all-in-one soluble I use is Foliage Pro 9-3-6, which includes macro and micro-nutrients. This is the fertilizer I use for all of my plants, from citrus to conifers, maples, orchids, succulents, everything.

Josh

I agree with greenman. get the Miracle gro all purpose 24-8-16 that comes in the 5# box. It will have four packs inside, I have only gone through a half of a pack in a whole year!

Yep, Miracle Grow 24-8-16 will probably give you the best bang for your buck. Just be sure to supplement Calcium and Magnesium, which most Miracle Grow formulations are lacking.

Josh

Josh wrote:

Yep, Miracle Grow 24-8-16 will probably give you the best bang for your buck. Just be sure to supplement Calcium and Magnesium, which most Miracle Grow formulations are lacking.

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And why is that? Considering Ca and Mg are 2 pretty damn important micronutrients for most plants, one would think MG has had the question dropped into their 'suggestion" box before.

Kevin

That is a good question, Kevin, to which I don't know the answer. However, my cynical mind says that they want to sell two products instead of one....

Josh

well Bill, last year I became a believer. I purchased MG shake and feed for tomatoes (it has Ca added), and hands down, last year was my very best pepper year ever. Plus, I rarely harvest a single belle pepper, and last year my plants were covered, I was giving them away. It will be interesting to see, this year I sprinkled them on my seedlings. I'll see how it goes.
Pam

yeah, i use the slow release shake and feed tomato , liquid MG all purpose, and now pro tekt and neem oil from dyna gro

Well guys and gals,

I just took the plung and fertilized the seedlings. I did a 1/4 strength. I used MG 24-8-16

1/4 Teaspoon in 1 Gal of warm tap water. First time they have had any ferts since they have been sowed.

Question, I have Epson salt for MG, what is the best thing to use for Ca?

Also, any recommendations for an one-in-one meter for Ph and soil nutriants?

As always, thank you all for the help and advice.

Bill