Is that necessary with a seed starting media like ProMix, which contains compost?

Since when does ProMix contain compost? Mycorrhizae, what is added to ProMix, is not compost.

But ys, you need to feed the plants when using ProMix. Do so using 1/4-1/2 strength diluted liquid fertilizer of your choice weekly.

Dave

I have something called ProMix Ultimate Organic Mix. Here are the ingredients:

Ingredients: Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Sea-based Compost, Limestone, Perlite, and Mycorise.

As far as your gnats go, in some cases they are present in bagged soils and mixes. If they are, keeping an overly wet environment only exacerbates the problem, as well inviting the problem in and of itself.

With regards to domes and the like, once you see sprouting, they need to go. It doesn't matter if 60% of the seeds have not sprouted, with the domes on, you are only asking for problems for the ones that have. If you have all the same seeds under the same dome, chances are once one sprouts, the rest are very soon to follow, and in fact have likely germinated beneath the soil, they just haven't sprouted aboveground yet.

My domes are off and have been off for about 5 days... the gnats persist. Could they have something to do with the little bit of algae that still remains on the surface of my shallot seedlings? Yesterday I sprayed the surface with a very dilute solution of water and hydrogen peroxide (1.5 tsp to 1 c) because I read that it can help with algae.

Hi Lucille - I have no experience with that particular mix but I would suggest feeding with a mild diluted liquid fertilizer anyway. Even if the mycor can derive some nutrients from the compost for the plants an additional supplement would be very beneficial.

The fungus gnats, like the algae, usually indicate too much watering or too much water retention. I don't know how well this type of mix will drain compared to regular ProMix. Compost mixes often don't drain well. But you can get rid of the gnats with the Btk in Mosquito Dunks. That is what most use for the problem.

Dave

+1 digdirt.

and i am not afraid to dr. doom indoors.

SCG

The only liquid fertilizer I have is the Alaska fish concentrate stuff, which I prefer not to use in the house since it smells oh so fishy, even when diluted.... any advice/input on other good liquid fertilizers to try?

Well diluted Miracle Grow and similar are probably the most commonly ones used by far. Do you only want organic ones?

Most organics are going to have some odor, it is the nature of organic fertilizers - they smell. So organic gardening outside is great, inside not so much because of their slow effects, need for active soil bacteria to even work, and odor.

Other than worm tea if one has a vermicomposting setup, IMO the best organics for using indoors are one of the many fish/kelp blends available. Not only are they better balanced, offer a wider range of nutrients, but the kelp reduces the odor of the fish somewhat. It isn't odor free but better and unfortunately the smell is the most notable price we pay if we insist on only using organic fertilizers for seedlings.

Dave

Hmmm, thought that might be the case. Thanks! I guess I feel better about tolerating a little fish smell more so than going chemical.

I dont understand why people are so adamant about "chemical" fertilizers. Its true that over using them in your garden can screw things up. But using them in container plants only makes sense. Container plants generally don't have all of the soil bacteria that is needed to break down the organic ferts. I understand not wanting to use chemical pesticides, but chemical fertilizers are not "bad" for you. Think of it as similar to giving your kids Flintstone vitamins until they are old enough to be willing to eat broccoli.

I use organics in my garden, and "chemical" ferts in anything that is in a pot.

Mandolls, I know what you're saying. For me it's more so not wanting to support a corporation like Scott's that has done so much environmental harm. I don't want to get into an argument, it's just how I do things! I know others have a different way, and that's totally fine.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

yep - I do my best to avoid any MG/ Scotts products for the same reasons, so I am with you there.

I tried the Dyna-Grow Fish /Kelp fert that I use in the garden on my indoor seedlings once - nothing quite like walking into a warm humid fishy smelling space - took a week for the smell to dissipate.