Soil seems to dry out really fast

Okay, I've looked through the threads as well as the Grow FAwQ and read Buds 4 less and I can't find an answer to this query. I have 4 germ'd seeds in the soil but I noticed that the soil has a tendency to dryout REALLY fast. Like within a few hours of being under the light. So how dry can the soil be without causing damage to the new seedlings as over watering is a worry as well. Any feedback would be AWESOME

what kind and how many lights are you using?
what size of pots are you in?
what are your temps?
is it just the top of the soil thats dry or are you sticking a finger in there to check?

mud1dnot2 said:

So how dry can the soil be without causing damage to the new seedlings as over watering is a worry as well.

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very dry, to the point of wilting, BUT that's dangerous, you should be repotting ASAP drying out every 3-4 days is what is a good range. If they're drying out that fast over watering shouldn't be a concern though, water heavily to the point of runoff.

my last batch my rockwool cubes dried out each day. Needless to say, I forgot to water them one day and the following day all my seeds were dead. I know overwatering is a major concern, but so is underwatering. I've found that rockwool should be left to more experienced growers and sticking with soil will allow you more wiggle room in terms of moisture.

move the light away, add some soil moist crystals

tasteskindasalty said:

my last batch my rockwool cubes dried out each day. Needless to say, I forgot to water them one day and the following day all my seeds were dead. I know overwatering is a major concern, but so is underwatering. I've found that rockwool should be left to more experienced growers and sticking with soil will allow you more wiggle room in terms of moisture.

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Thanks. Usually I haven't let them go more than a day with dryer soil. How long would it take for a seed in those conditions to die? It's been about a week since I planted them and I haven't gotten a sprout yet

nickfury510 said:

what kind and how many lights are you using?
what size of pots are you in?
what are your temps?
is it just the top of the soil thats dry or are you sticking a finger in there to check?

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Right now they're planted in 4 in pots, the temps are around 75-80 and I stuck the tip of my finger in the soil and it didn't seem like it would be adequate moisture

frmrboi said:

very dry, to the point of wilting, BUT that's dangerous, you should be repotting ASAP drying out every 3-4 days is what is a good range. If they're drying out that fast over watering shouldn't be a concern though, water heavily to the point of runoff.

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From everything I've read, wouldn't it be dangerous to re-pot a seedling that hasn't sprouted yet? Thanks for the speedy replies!

mud1dnot2 said:

From everything I've read, wouldn't it be dangerous to re-pot a seedling that hasn't sprouted yet? Thanks for the speedy replies!

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I only read the word seedling, which is a seed that is sprouted and growing on it's own, never mind.

Right on. Wha's a seed that has only its taproot sticking called?

mud1dnot2 said:

Right on. Wha's a seed that has only its taproot sticking called?

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a germinated seed.

edited. thanks, sorry for being a noob shithead

germinated seeds will be the most fragile state of the plant. Whereas a fully developed plant might be able to survive a mistake, the slightest mistake with a germinated seed (right down to touching it wrong) can kill it.

mud1dnot2 said:

It's been about a week since I planted them and I haven't gotten a sprout yet

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sounds like they're goners then, I'd dig one up and see WTF is going on. Hope you didn't pay for those seeds. BTW there's no need to have any light on seeded pots. Any warm place will do some seal their pots inside plastic bags till they sprout so that they don't dry out.

frmrboi said:

sounds like they're goners then, I'd dig one up and see WTF is going on. Hope you didn't pay for those seeds. BTW there's no need to have any light on seeded pots. Any warm place will do some seal their pots inside plastic bags till they sprout so that they don't dry out.

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That was my problem, lights were way too close and drying out the soil.

And I agree with you, if its been a week, chances are they are dead. Sacrifice one of the pots and check out the seed. If the taproot is green or brown that its dead.

Allright. I went ahead and dug up the oldest one. The root was a on the whitish/green side. There was no brown or anything indicating it might be dead. What do you guys think? Oh and it's bagseed as well. so no worries

mud1dnot2 said:

What do you guys think?

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Hmmm, well if the tap root tip is still bright white it's OK, maybe they aren't warm enough. gentle bottom heat works wonders on roots. On top of a hot water tank heater is a great spot. A heating pad on low with a sheet of cardboard over it to lower the heat to a safe level is good. When I plant seeds I dip the pots in water (bottom watering) so that the roots strike down for the moisture.

mud1dnot2 said:

Allright. I went ahead and dug up the oldest one. The root was a on the whitish/green side. There was no brown or anything indicating it might be dead. What do you guys think? Oh and it's bagseed as well. so no worries

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White is good, green is bad. Wait a few more days and they might sprout.

I'm learning patience is the key here. It helps to have some bud to smoke to keep my mind off of it but it's driving me nuts. It sucks staring at dirt. I replanted the seed I dug up. I know it's probably fucked now but until I get some more seeds germ'd it won't do any harm. Especially since I was extra gentle and didn't touch the root

mud1dnot2 said:

I replanted the seed I dug up. I know it's probably fucked now but until I get some more seeds germ'd it won't do any harm. Especially since I was extra gentle and didn't touch the root

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should be OK, I'd start more seeds just in case though so your not wasting time, this time try sealing the pots up in plastic and keep them real warm. I've had seeds pop up in less than 18 hours like that Oh, and remember plant them sprout end UP !
https://www.rollitup.org/attachments/newbie-central/244567d1227019260-question-up.gif

Sprout end up eh? I've read a lot of things saying to plant the tap root down. I'm not trying to be a smart but am honestly curious Do they sprout faster if the roots are pointed up?

mud1dnot2 said:

Sprout end up eh? I've read a lot of things saying to plant the tap root down. I'm not trying to be a smart but am honestly curious Do they sprout faster if the roots are pointed up?

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up to two days sooner. The seed is genetically programmed to make that loop so if it has to re-orient itself to grow out of the soil that takes a lot of time and stored energy. LOTS of controversy on this topic, planting on it's side removes any errors.