vitamin b question
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Nullis
Moderator
There are various vitamins referred to as 'B vitamins' that play a role in cellular metabolism. Black strap molasses contains a few of the b-vitamins; at least minor amounts of thiamine (B-1), niacin (B-3), and pantothenic acid (B-5) and a much more significant amount of B-6.
There are other horticultural supplements that contain one or more B vitamins, such as Thrive-Alive and I think Superthrive (which some wouldn't consider to be appropriate for organics).
There are other horticultural supplements that contain one or more B vitamins, such as Thrive-Alive and I think Superthrive (which some wouldn't consider to be appropriate for organics).
Nullis
Moderator
It is important not to think just in terms of "the plants", as in organic gardening more of what we do revolves around the soil and the microlife that should be thriving within it. That said, like other living organisms plants need B vitamins for cellular metabolism- turning carbohydrates (a result of photosynthesis, in the case of plants) into energy used to build proteins and cell structures. Plant cells require other vitamins as well, like humans do. However, unlike humans plants can actually synthesize all of the vitamins they need. They build vitamins along with most of the other things they require from the basic elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and trace elements) obtained from the soil and atmosphere.
So while plant cells really do require vitamins such as the B vitamins, they don't need us to provide them under typical growth conditions. B vitamins at low doses may hasten seed germination and early development, and they also may help during transplants to prevent shock. Growth hormones, particularly auxins are good for these purposes also, and may be in products combined with one or more of the B vitamins.
Beyond the plants; those micro-organisms living in the soil also require B vitamins for cellular metabolism and an abundance of B vitamins in the soil (especially B12) may lead to a boost in productivity and growth. Anything that benefits the microbes should result in happier plants. I wouldn't go out of my way to provide vitamins, though. Human B-complex tablets are probably unsuitable for horticultural applications, just because the dosages they contain may be toxic to microbes or plants and there are other ingredients within tablets.
So while plant cells really do require vitamins such as the B vitamins, they don't need us to provide them under typical growth conditions. B vitamins at low doses may hasten seed germination and early development, and they also may help during transplants to prevent shock. Growth hormones, particularly auxins are good for these purposes also, and may be in products combined with one or more of the B vitamins.
Beyond the plants; those micro-organisms living in the soil also require B vitamins for cellular metabolism and an abundance of B vitamins in the soil (especially B12) may lead to a boost in productivity and growth. Anything that benefits the microbes should result in happier plants. I wouldn't go out of my way to provide vitamins, though. Human B-complex tablets are probably unsuitable for horticultural applications, just because the dosages they contain may be toxic to microbes or plants and there are other ingredients within tablets.
Trevor Ellis
Member
The advanced B-1 is very good. it says organic on the bottle. but who knows.
jemstone
Well-Known Member
I would assume so. In looking at a B-50 vitamin supplement label it shows that it contains the things Nullis pointed out
kelp is a good source of b1. harvesting your own is cheap if you live near the edge of the earth, just mind the salt water.
Mother's Finest
Well-Known Member
Here's some vitamin info for those interested:
What Type of Vitamins Affect Plant Growth? By Keith Dooley
Plants make vitamin C on their own and need it to survive. Studies at universities and research facilities, such as University of Exeter and California State, show that some added vitamins help plants improve their growth. It has also been show that plants create their own vitamins. More research is ongoing, but a few vitamins are proven needed or helpful.
Vitamin C-
Vitamin C is needed for plant growth. An enzyme in plants produces vitamin C. A recent study by scientists at both University of Exeter and Shimane University has proven that plants cannot grow at all without vitamin C. Plants use vitamin C to combat stress from uncontrollable weather conditions such as drought and UV radiation.
Vitamin B-
According to researchers at Advanced Nutrients and master gardeners, Vitamin B is known to help plants grow stronger and larger than their normal size and strength. B5 is needed for overall growth, and without it, plants grow slowly or not at all. B1 helps create energy, which in turn increases growth and flower production. B1 also aids root strength and keeps the plant from getting shocked by damage or transplanting.
Vitamin D-
The addition of vitamin D has been shown to improve plant growth, but is not needed for healthy plants. This was demonstrated by a student study at California State University. Vitamin D can be obtained through simple sunlight, which plants normally get on a regular basis. Adding vitamin D increases these levels. Why it improves growth is not know, but experiments have shown that it does.
What Type of Vitamins Affect Plant Growth? By Keith Dooley
Plants make vitamin C on their own and need it to survive. Studies at universities and research facilities, such as University of Exeter and California State, show that some added vitamins help plants improve their growth. It has also been show that plants create their own vitamins. More research is ongoing, but a few vitamins are proven needed or helpful.
Vitamin C-
Vitamin C is needed for plant growth. An enzyme in plants produces vitamin C. A recent study by scientists at both University of Exeter and Shimane University has proven that plants cannot grow at all without vitamin C. Plants use vitamin C to combat stress from uncontrollable weather conditions such as drought and UV radiation.
Vitamin B-
According to researchers at Advanced Nutrients and master gardeners, Vitamin B is known to help plants grow stronger and larger than their normal size and strength. B5 is needed for overall growth, and without it, plants grow slowly or not at all. B1 helps create energy, which in turn increases growth and flower production. B1 also aids root strength and keeps the plant from getting shocked by damage or transplanting.
Vitamin D-
The addition of vitamin D has been shown to improve plant growth, but is not needed for healthy plants. This was demonstrated by a student study at California State University. Vitamin D can be obtained through simple sunlight, which plants normally get on a regular basis. Adding vitamin D increases these levels. Why it improves growth is not know, but experiments have shown that it does.
Matt Rize
Hashmaster
Like they said. Bee vitamin from AN is a decent product. The green label thrive alive is great and can be used anytime (1-1-1) and isn't from a horrible company like AN.
I use B vitamin for transplant and in tinys amount throughout the grow cycle. Not sure it does anything at all
I use B vitamin for transplant and in tinys amount throughout the grow cycle. Not sure it does anything at all