The past two groups of seedlings I've raised have been given an alfalfa tea that has made some great things happen. Besides the nitrogen in the tea, it also contains growth hormones that are duplicated synthetically in Superthrive.... but alfalfa has them naturally. I am seeing increased lateral growth with shorter internodes, and that ain't bad.
You can buy alfalfa tablets at any health food store- just make sure it is 100% alfalfa tablets, not capsules. My brand is Solaray, and I got 250 tablets, each 600 mg. for something under $10US.
You just crush one 600 mg. tablet into one gallon of water, and let it sit for at least 24 hours, then water with it. I usually dilute it further, making two gallons of watering solution out of the one gallon of tea. This is a 4-1-1 food, but it is the minerals and hormones that make it great for seedlings and vegging plants.
I had always been under the impression that the hormones were contraindicated during flowering, but a recent conversation with GTHerer has caused me to doubt my info... anyone know??
Google on "triacontanol" (the hormone in alfalfa) and read about it.... I'm all searched out.
I can tell you that the seedlings I've used it on have been the most vigorous and fastest maturing I have ever raised. It might be helpful for yours, too. |