Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Seed Starter

NPK 2-3-3

Organic Seed Starter Fertilizer (2-3-3) is a natural, non-burning, eco-friendly starter fertilizer for any variety of seed or transplant. An ideal choice for root crops, legume vegetables, perennials, flowering shrubs, mature fruit trees, forage crops, and new plantings, it's widely trusted by landscapers and growers for dependable performance in new installations. The gentle 2-3-3 formula provides slow-release nutrition that promotes robust root development without the risk of burning sensitive seedlings or young transplants. OMRI Listed for certified organic production.

Application Rates FAQs
Nutrient Profile
WO-ORG-SEED-STARTER
2–3–3
Seed Starter
Derived From
  • Greensand, Bone Char, Sulfate of Potash, Vegetable Protein Meal (e.g. Peanut Meal), Animal Protein Meal (e.g. Feather Meal)
2-3-3
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
At planting; 1-2 additional applications per season as needed
Feeding Frequency
—
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 2-3-3

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter is a premium 2-3-3 organic fertilizer manufactured by North Country Organics in Bradford, Vermont (Pro-Start 2-3-3). It is formulated from Greensand, Bone Char, Sulfate of Potash, Vegetable Protein Meals (e.g. Peanut Meal), and Animal Protein Meals (e.g. Feather Meal).

The 2-3-3 ratio delivers gentle, balanced nutrition with slightly more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen — exactly what seedlings and transplants need for root establishment over leafy growth. The dual nitrogen delivery (0.8% water soluble, 1.2% water insoluble) provides immediate feeding plus sustained slow-release nutrition through microbial activity. Its primary purpose is to feed the soil and let nature make the necessary nutrients available at the appropriate time and rate.

N
Nitrogen — 2%

2.0% Total Nitrogen (0.8% Water Soluble, 1.2% Water Insoluble) — gentle, non-burning nitrogen for seedlings and transplants

P
Phosphorus — 3%

3.0% Available Phosphate (P₂O₅) — promotes robust root development and flowering for better yields

K
Potassium — 3%

3.0% Soluble Potash (K₂O) — strengthens plant resilience, disease resistance, and establishment

Recommended Plants

Best For

Seeds & Transplants
Root Crops (Potatoes, Carrots, Beets, Onions)
Legume Vegetables (Peas, Beans)
Flowering Crops (Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants)
Perennials & Flowering Shrubs
Mature Fruit & Ornamental Trees
New Lawns, Sod & Seedings
Landscape Installations
Forage Crops & Legume Hay

Growing Detail

On Lawns: Provides an excellent start for new seed or sod and serves as an excellent fall or winterizer fertilizer. Promotes robust root development that naturally crowds out weeds and improves nutrient uptake. Builds a thick and invasive root system filled with nutrients to last the winter and come up healthy and lush in spring. Enhanced root growth boosts soil organic matter, water retention, and beneficial soil biology including nitrogen fixation, mobilization of normally unavailable nutrients, soil aeration, and insect and disease suppression. The fall lawn fertilizer of choice for thin or damaged lawns.

On Vegetables: Particularly suited for root crops like potatoes and carrots and nitrogen-fixing legumes such as peas and beans. Boosts size and quantity of root vegetables. Commercial growers rely on its proven ability to enhance harvests of peas, potatoes, carrots, beets, beans, and onions. Fruiting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants also respond exceptionally well.

On Perennials: Among professional perennial growers, known for promoting abundant blooms and sturdy stalks. Tests show Pro-Start 2-3-3 gives a greater number of blossoms and slightly shorter, stronger stalks compared to Pro-Gro 5-3-4. Either one is a wise choice for perennial production.

On Landscape Installations: Enhances root systems in any kind of plant, lowers mortality rate and shortens the transition period when plants are susceptible to stress. Non-burning formula is ideal for inexperienced employees. Nurtures plants into quick recovery from transplant shock and adaptation into new environments. Slow-release feature continues to enhance plant health and vitality long after the landscaper has left the job.

On Ornamentals and Mature Fruit Trees: Because most blossoming trees create their sets the year before they flower, it is important to use a natural slow-release source of all essential nutrients. If too much plant food is available at any one time, the tree directs energy toward new wood growth and thick foliage, significantly reducing flower sets. Pro-Start 2-3-3 relinquishes control of how and when to release nutrients to nature — the timing and rate of release vary naturally according to changing conditions.

On New Seedings and Transplants: There is no substitute for starting seeds or young transplants. Whether fruit, vegetables, flowers, perennials, forage, or nursery stock, no other fertilizer can compare. Recommended over Pro-Gro 5-3-4 for incorporation into potting soil. For potting mixes, blend 3-16 oz per cubic foot or 5-30 lbs per cubic yard depending on plant needs.
Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
2-3 lbs per 100 sq ft
Container / Pot
3-16 oz per cubic foot of potting soil; 5-30 lbs per cubic yard
Water Mix
N/A — granular application
Lawn
20-30 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
Apply around drip line — rate varies by tree size
Per Acre
870-1,300 lbs per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

For lawns: excellent fall/winterizer and spring starter for new seed or sod. For vegetables: apply at spring planting. For landscape installations: apply at time of planting year-round. For ornamental and fruit trees: spring and fall applications. Slow-release formula releases nutrients naturally based on soil and weather conditions.
How It Compares

Side by Side

Professional perennial growers are equally divided between 5-3-4 and 2-3-3, but tests show 2-3-3 gives a greater number of blossoms and slightly shorter, stronger stalks. It is specifically recommended over 5-3-4 for incorporation into potting soil. The lower nitrogen and balanced P-K ratio makes it the better choice for root crops, new plantings, and any situation where root establishment is the primary goal. If too much nitrogen is available at any one time, trees direct energy toward wood growth and thick foliage, reducing flower sets — 2-3-3 prevents this by letting nature control nutrient release timing.

Safety & Storage

Store in a dry environment. Not classified as hazardous. No special handling procedures necessary. Wear approved respirator if sensitive to dust. Wear gloves if skin sensitivities appear. Eye protection optional. Wash hands after use. Note: Manufactured in a facility that stores peanut meal and is manufactured with machinery that processes peanut meal

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • The best organic seed-starting fertilizer provides very gentle, low-concentration nutrition that supports seedling development without overwhelming delicate young root systems. Seeds contain enough stored energy to germinate on their own, but seedlings benefit from light feeding once the first true leaves appear. An organic formula with balanced, slow-release nutrients provides steady, gentle feeding during this critical early growth stage. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter is specifically formulated for safe, effective feeding of newly germinated seedlings and transplants.
  • Begin fertilizing seedlings after the first set of true leaves appears — not the initial seed leaves (cotyledons). The true leaves indicate that the plant has exhausted its stored seed energy and needs external nutrition to continue growing. Apply a very dilute organic fertilizer solution every 1–2 weeks until transplanting. Avoid feeding immediately after germination, as young roots are extremely sensitive to nutrient concentration. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter provides the gentle nutrition seedlings need once they transition from seed energy to active feeding.
  • For seedlings in cell trays or small pots, mix ½–1 teaspoon of organic seed starter per gallon of water and apply as a light watering solution every 1–2 weeks. For larger containers, add ¼ teaspoon per pot at planting. The key is using very light rates — seedlings can easily be overwhelmed by too much fertilizer. Start with the lower rate and increase only if seedlings show signs of nutrient deficiency like pale leaves. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter is formulated for safe use at these gentle application rates.
  • Regular garden fertilizers are generally too concentrated for seedlings and can burn tender young roots. If using a standard fertilizer, dilute to ¼ strength. A better option is a fertilizer specifically formulated for seed starting, which provides lower nutrient concentrations appropriate for the delicate early growth stage. Organic seed-starting fertilizers are particularly well-suited because their slow-release nature reduces burn risk. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter is purpose-built for the unique nutritional needs of seedlings, providing safe, gentle feeding from germination through transplanting.
  • Seedlings need small amounts of all three primary nutrients. Nitrogen supports leaf and stem development, phosphorus promotes root growth (especially important for transplant success), and potassium builds cell strength and disease resistance. Micronutrients like iron and zinc support healthy chlorophyll production and enzyme function. The key difference from mature plants is the concentration — seedlings need much lower doses delivered gently and consistently. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter provides balanced macro and micronutrients at the gentle concentrations seedlings thrive on.
  • Yes, organic seed starter fertilizer is excellent for transplants. Adding a small amount to the planting hole when transplanting seedlings into the garden provides a gentle nutritional boost that supports root establishment and reduces transplant shock. The organic, slow-release ingredients feed young transplants gradually as they acclimate to their new growing environment. Once transplants are established and growing vigorously, transition to a full-strength garden fertilizer. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter bridges the gap between indoor seedling care and outdoor garden nutrition.
  • Yes, organic seed starter is safe for all types of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil, marigolds, zinnias, and any other commonly started species. The gentle, low-concentration formula will not burn delicate seedling roots regardless of plant type. It works in all seed-starting media including peat-based mixes, coco coir, and soil-based blends. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter is OMRI-Listed and safe for all seedlings in any growing medium.

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