Four situations in which you do not need to fertilize seedlings with fertilizers

Proper care is essential in preparation for the new summer cottage season. One of these tasks is fertilizing seedlings, but it is important to understand when fertilizing can be not only useless but also harmful to these young plants.

In this article, SSPDaily talks about four situations when it is recommended to refrain from fertilizing seedlings.

1. When the seedlings are still young

During the first few weeks of seedling life, optimal development is important. At this stage, the seedlings receive all the necessary nutrients from the seeds themselves. Premature fertilization can harm the plants, cause burns, and stunt their growth and overall health. It is advisable to start fertilizing when the seedlings have leaves, usually 2-3 weeks after germination.

2. When the seedlings are dormant

In winter, seedlings are dormant due to low temperatures. During this dormant phase, additional nutrients are not needed because biological processes in plants slow down. Fertilizing during this dormant period can lead to the accumulation of excess nutrients in the soil, which will negatively affect the health of the seedlings.

3. When seedlings are stressed

Seedlings can suffer significant damage if they are exposed to stressful situations such as excessive watering, insufficient humidity, pest attacks, or disease. In such circumstances, the plants are already stressed and cannot effectively absorb and use fertilizers for growth. Instead of helping them to recover, fertilizing in such cases can make the situation worse, leading to burns and further deterioration of the plants.

4. When the soil is already rich in nutrients

Before applying fertilizers, it is important to assess whether the soil really needs additional nutrition. Using too much fertilizer can be just as harmful as not enough. Assessing the level of nutrients in the soil using special test systems will help determine whether your seedlings will benefit from fertilizers or whether they already have enough nutrients.