how to water seedlings?

lospsi

Active Member
Hello world, i have 2 seedlings 2 weeks old in small pots placed in a plate. The first week i was keep spraying them with a little water to keep the surface moist although i didn't see much growth (Maybe because i had them close to a window). In the second week i placed a 135 w led grow ufo and sprayed them again and placed some water in the plate thinking of promoting roots to reach the cup. Am i thinking good or i have misunderstanded the situation?
 

dimebong

Well-Known Member
When you water you preferably don't want to leave dry spots in the soil. If you planted in a bigger pot then you would want to water around the base only, for a little while so it
doesn't take too long to dry out but all the roots are getting wet.

That is why seedling soils come with wetting agents and one reason people start seedlings in tiny pots so they can water the whole pot without it taking too long to dry out.

At two weeks the roots would have reached the sides quite a while ago. Don't want to be leaving dry spots but you don't want to drench it.
 

killachris

New Member
i put the seeds in the soil, and i spray them 2-3 times a day to get them to sprout.

once they sprout, i water with ~ 1-2 ounces a day until i notice they are growing. you do not want to use a sprayer anymore as that wont encourage much root growth.

a couple days in, i soak the pot until a drip or two comes out, and i let it almost dry out, but not how i would like an established plant dry out.
 

stumps

Well-Known Member
After the seeds have sprouted. Water them good and leave them alone until they are dry. Then do it again. spraying is fine but try to spray only the soil. over watering is the fastest way to kill a seedling.
 

lospsi

Active Member
thnx for your replies, what do you say about the growth? The 1st seedling is about 10 cm tall and the second about 6 cm and only 2 sets of true leaves yet..
 

burgertime2010

Well-Known Member
That is a light problem usually. When they are stretching out, they are looking for light....lower your lights until your hand is warm but not hot. Have you started feedings?
 

dimebong

Well-Known Member
thnx for your replies, what do you say about the growth? The 1st seedling is about 10 cm tall and the second about 6 cm and only 2 sets of true leaves yet..
At two weeks they should be much bigger. Sounds Like they could use a bit more light as well as water.

This new mother i planted at the beginning of the year was just under two weeks and was still relatively
small but acceptable.

Seedling Week 2.jpg
 

lospsi

Active Member
no nutes yet i think that they are to young to start (isn't it?), i have the ufo 40 cm over the plants is it too much? I asked the supplier about the distance...
 

killachris

New Member
what size container are you in?

if the container is not too big, its time to "soak" the medium, just till you see a drip or two though. then give it a little time to dry out.

for lighting distance, follow the manufacturers instructions. personally though, i would place it like 12" away. i do know that the led bulbs are set at a certain angle, so they work best at a certain height.
 

lospsi

Active Member
they are in very small pots i am waiting until the 3rd true set of leaves appear to do the transplant into a 15 liter pot
 

killachris

New Member
right, right..so soak the pot and let it dry out some. i usually water it every other day..sometimes every third day if i forget. they dont drink as much as babies, but at the same time i notice its easier for the roots to grow into moist soil.
 

lospsi

Active Member
I was wondering not to over water and i have propably under watered them so i will wait until they dry up a bit cause i watered yesterday and then soak well until some water runs out of cup
 

roseypeach

Well-Known Member
I have great success with wicking but I don't know if you have the proper set up for it. I put my seeds in a seed tray and place about a half inch of highly diluted kangaroot in the bottom tray. The soil 'wick's water from the tray thereby watering your little guys as they need without overwatering. The kangaroot solution helps the root development a lot. Whatever works for you though, good luck with your grow!
 
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