Questions about Fertalizer/Soil

Hiya, I've bought the Ocean Farm Potting Soil and [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula (links below), and I was wondering a few things.

When I transplant into a bigger container, should I not use this soil since it has nutes built in, or can I keep using it and not worry about it?

How soon after sprouting should I start fertilizing, and should I use the recommended amount on the PDF?

Finally, is it safe to germinate them in the soil, I'm worried about over/under watering them in a towl if I germinate them..anyone have any techniques that might make it easier?
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Ocean Farm Potting Soil - FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company

[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula - http://www.foxfarmfertilizer.com/soilfeed.pdf


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Hey there buddy, I think I can help you.

Im guessing by Ocean farm, you mean ocean forests? If so, then this soil is completly safe to use, and I highly recoomend it. Im using it right now.

About fertilizing, dont follow the fox farms schedual exactly. YOU DO NOT WANT TO FEED YOUR PLANTS UNTIL AFTER 3-4 WEEKS. Not trying to be mean, just making sure you understand this, becuase foxfarm says to use big bloom at week 1, but dont do it. Ocean forest has everything your plant needs until 3-4 weeks. After 3-4 weeks, you can start following the scheudal. I would start a bit lower then they recomend however. Like for Grow big, during week 2 ( actually week 5-6 for you, becuase you wont be using nutrients for first 3-4 weeks ) it says use 2tsp a gallon, maybe start at 1tsp just to be safe. Many growers use the amounts listed and have no problems, but others use them and have problems. Its all about your plant and what it likes, I like to start off in small doses and see how my plant reacts.

For germination I would reccommend using the paper towel method. Its pretty simple, and I have a way to help you not over/under water.

Place seeds in paper towel, fold it over. And then complelty drench the towel with water. I like to shake the water up before I do this, to give water more oxygen, probably makes no difference, but im sure it dosnt hurt. After complelty drenching the paper towel, put it on a regular bath towel, and pat it down with the towel. This should get it nice and moist, but not dripping wet. Then place it into ziplock bag, and before you seal it, exhale some breath into it, dont blow the whole bag up, but just a good amount of co2.

Hope that helps. Germination really isnt that hard, once you try it, you will realize this. Keep the seeds int he bag, in a dark warm place. Check them once a day or so. I like to add a fresh breath of air everytime I check them as well.

Yeah. Ocean Forest is my favorite soil for growing. You should have no problems at all with it. In fact, most of the Foxfarm line is awesome.

totally agree with Jack. Ocean forest has all your little babies need for a while. Wait 3 weeks, or until three-four sets of leaves before feeding.

For germination, after doing Jack's paper towel method, you can get some foxfarm "Light Warrior" soil. It's great for starting plants.

Good luck!

Thanks both of you, that helped out alot. One more question, once I have the germinated seed, should I stick it in a jiffy pot or put it right into the Ocean Forest?

Right into Ocean Forest. You can do Jiffy Pots, but its really unneccesary. I just started my seeds, and put them right into Ocean Forest, and they love it.

as up4 said, you can also start them in light warrior, and it is good for starting plants out. but in my opinion its unneccesary. Its pretty expensive stuff, about same as Ocean Forest. Ocean Forest works fine for seedlings all the way to flower. Just stick with that.

Hope everything goes good mate, if ya ever need anything just send me a PM, and ill be sure to help ya out = )

jackinthebox said:

Right into Ocean Forest. You can do Jiffy Pots, but its really unneccesary. I just started my seeds, and put them right into Ocean Forest, and they love it.

as up4 said, you can also start them in light warrior, and it is good for starting plants out. but in my opinion its unneccesary. Its pretty expensive stuff, about same as Ocean Forest. Ocean Forest works fine for seedlings all the way to flower. Just stick with that.

Hope everything goes good mate, if ya ever need anything just send me a PM, and ill be sure to help ya out = )

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agree with jack. light warrior costs some coin. I like it beacuse I think i get better root development and it doesn't get stalled once I transplant. going right into OF though is just fine.