Indoor starts with yellow leaves.

[smokensqueal]

I got some indoor starts that are looking really good, at least I think but the leaves have a yellow tint to them. Is that normal for indoor starts? The wife thinks I have the lights to close I had them about 3 or 4 inches from them. Here is a picture. I think the color is a bit off in the pic but at least that gives you an idea.

Thoughts?

[img]https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3392847779_9633014f5e.jpg?v=0[/img]

https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3392847779_9633014f5e.jpg?v=0

[elevenplants]

I looked at your picture. They are kinda yellow. I might say overwatering, except the soil appears a bit dry, actually. My very first impression - and how I would probably treat - would be with liquid kelp, liquid seaweed, or even liquid fish mixed a little weak. Looks like the nitrogen level might be a little low. Hit them about twice a week for a while. and watch the moisture levels.....also, do you think it might be close to time for you to plant out, or possibly pot up? They look like they could use a little more room.

Just a laywoman's opinion, now. Nothing more, nothing less.

Rebecca

[soil]

what soil are you using? fertilizer? water used? my lights are within 2 inches of my plants and they are a deep dark green. looks to be a lockout or a deficiency to me.

[smokensqueal]

Ya they have taken off since I moved them into those bigger pots but it may be time to pot up one more time. I wasn't expecting them to take off so fast.

As far as soil it was a mix between potting soil (not sure what brand), compost, and some peat moss. Maybe I over did the peat moss or I should of left that out all together.

I haven't fertilized them yet because they were doing so well. If it looks like they are lacking Nitrogen do you think some blood meal (or dried blood 12%) would work? If so how much do you think I should mix in water before watering them? If blood meal isn't good I'll have to find a place that carries some of that other stuff that was recommended. And the water that I'm using is rain water.

[applestar]

That might explain it. Sounds like you didn't add lime or wood ash to counter the acidity of peat moss? Check this out: https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf428953.tip.html

If you have compost, try using compost tea, maybe fortified with some alfalfa pellets/meal.

[smokensqueal]

applestar: That's a nice site I'll have to book mark it. I wasn't aware that peat moss was acidic till after I made my mix. I've used it for about 2 years with no problems before.

I'll add a little lime, and I bought some fertilizer today to give them. Let's see how they come out of this.