I have a sqare foot gardening thing going on in my garden and I only give each plant 1/2 cup of water a day.Maybe a little more in the evening if temps are 100+.Doin it that way for years and my garden is the talk of the neighborhood.If your germinating, top needs to be a little damp,but thats it.Just because the top is dry doesn't mean the whole pot is.When I start seeds indoors in anticipation of spring I put the soil and seed in one of those large plastic drinking cups and pick it up to see how heavy it is.everytime I go to water it I pick it up,if its still heavy as it was,no water.If its light,water it.Its never failed me.been doin the same with my herb and they seem to be doing well.I've had seeds that didn't germ.,but I've never lost one that did(due to water issues).need loose soil mix.1 part peatmoss,1 part manure/compost mix,1 part perlite or vermiculite(the minerals should be fine ground,but coarse works too).I can't see why it wouldn't work in a larger pot.
I have never heard trimming the outside leaves will slow nutrient burn, and honestly I cannot see the logic in it. Not saying your wrong, but this is new to me. If I may ask where did you here this or what have you experienced for this to be true? I would like to know as we are all learning here so am quite interested. Also, usually a plant in later stages of bud will drain nutes like you stated, but from the older lower growth, and that is normal and nothing to rectify. It seems his entire plant is yellow uniformly, or at least that is what the pictures suggest to me. I admit it is hard to tell from the photo's.
