Gentlest Organic Starter
Best Organic Seed Starting Fertilizer (2-3-3): The Gentlest Formula for Seedlings, Starts & Transplants — Zero Burn, Maximum Root Establishment Buy on Old Cobblers Farm
Seedlings are the most vulnerable plants in your garden — and the most easily burned by fertilizer. This 2-3-3 is the gentlest organic formula in the entire Wicked Organics lineup, delivering just enough nutrition to fuel germination and first true leaves without any risk of damaging tender new roots.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter
by Organic Fertilizer — Littleton, NH
2-3-3
N-P-K Ratio
"The safest organic fertilizer for the most vulnerable stage of plant life. 2-3-3 at seed-starting rates delivers trace-level nutrition that supports germination, root initiation, and first true leaf development without any possibility of salt burn on delicate seedling roots."
2-3-3
Ultra-Gentle NPK
0%
Burn Risk
80 gal
Amended Mix / bag
4 Sizes
5, 10, 15, 20 lbs
Zero Burn Risk for Seedlings
Only 2% nitrogen — the absolute minimum that still provides meaningful nutrition. Impossible to burn seedlings at recommended rates. The safest organic start possible.
3% Phosphorus for Root Initiation
Phosphorus is the first nutrient seedlings need — it drives root cell division and extension. 3% P from bone char provides gentle, sustained root-building nutrition from day one.
Seed Mix Amendment Rate
2–4 tablespoons per gallon of seed starting mix. Pre-amend your entire batch of starting media at once — every cell and tray gets consistent nutrition.
80 Gallons of Mix Per Bag
At 1 oz per gallon, one 5 lb bag amends approximately 80 gallons of seed starting mix. That's hundreds of cell packs from a single bag.
Greensand Trace Minerals
Seedlings need trace minerals from the start — iron, manganese, zinc, boron. Greensand delivers 30+ trace elements that synthetic seed starting mixes completely lack.
Transplant Hole Ready
Same formula works in transplant holes: 1–2 tbsp mixed with backfill soil. Continues the organic nutrition program as seedlings move from trays to garden beds.
NCO Pro-Start — Seed Specialist
Built on North Country Organics Pro-Start — specifically formulated for seed germination and early seedling development in organic growing systems.
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
Developed in Littleton, New Hampshire. Sold nationwide on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and theoldcobblersfarm.com.
| NPK Ratio | 2-3-3 |
| Item Form | Granular (fine) |
| Coverage | ~80 gallons of amended seed mix per 5 lb bag (at 1 oz/gal) |
| Category | Organic Fertilizer |
| Type | Plant-Specific Organic |
| Sizes | 5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb |
| NPK | 2-3-3 |
| Nitrogen | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 3% (bone char) |
| Potassium | 3% (sulfate of potash + greensand) |
| Ingredients | Greensand, Bone Char, Sulfate of Potash, Peanut Meal, Animal Protein, Calcium |
| Base | NCO Pro-Start |
| Form | Fine granular |
| Rate | 2–4 tbsp / gal seed mix or 1–2 tbsp / transplant hole |
| Sizes | 5, 10, 15, 20 lb bags |
| Best For | Seed starting, seedling trays, transplant holes, potting mix amendment |
What We Love
✓ Zero burn risk — the gentlest organic formula for the most delicate stage
✓ 3% phosphorus from bone char for sustained root initiation
✓ 80 gallons of amended seed mix per bag — hundreds of starts
✓ Greensand delivers 30+ trace minerals synthetics lack
✓ NCO Pro-Start base — purpose-built for seed germination
Worth Noting
— Very low NPK — seedlings will need stronger feeding after transplanting
— Must be mixed into media before seeding — not a top-dress product for starts
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Organic Seed Starter Old Cobblers Farm | Starter Mix Down To Earth | Bio-tone Starter Plus Espoma | Root Zone Starter Fertilizer Dr. Earth | Happy Frog Jump Start Fertilizer FoxFarm | Fast Start Granular Planting Fertilizer Jobe's Organics | Preplant Starter True Organic | Natural Purpose Granular Organic Food Burpee | Bio-Tone Starter Plus Espoma | Root Zone Starter Dr. Earth | Starter Mix Down To Earth | Happy Frog Jump Start FoxFarm | Fast Start Granular Jobe's Organics | Preplant Starter Food True Organic | Organic Starter + Transplanting Burpee | Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food Coast of Maine | 4-6-4 Plant Food Sustane | Natural Organic All Purpose Burpee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPK | 2-3-3 | 3-3-3 | 4-3-3 | 2-4-2 | 3-4-3 | 4-4-2 | 4-4-4 | 4-4-4 | 4-3-3 | 2-4-2 | 3-3-3 | 3-4-3 | 4-4-2 | 4-4-4 | 3-6-4 | 5-2-4 | 4-6-4 | 4-4-4 |
| Form | Granular (fine) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Coverage | ~80 gallons of amended seed mix per 5 lb bag (at 1 oz/gal) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Price / Size | 5 lb | 10 lb | 15 lb | 20 lb | $14–$18 / 5 lb | $11–$14 / 4 lb | $12–$15 / 4 lb | $13–$17 / 4 lb | $10–$13 / 4 lb | $9–$12 / 4 lb | $9–$11 / 4 lb | ~$10-13 (4 lb) | ~$10-15 (4 lb) | ~$10-15 (5 lb) | ~$15-21 (4 lb) | ~$8-12 (4 lb) | ~$13 (4 lb) | ~$8-12 (4 lb) | ~$16-22 (4 lb) | ~$12-18 (5 lb) | ~$8-12 (4 lb) |
| Our Take | The safest organic fertilizer for the most vulnerable stage of plan... | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
The Competition
Starter Mix
by Down To Earth
3-3-3
N-P-K
Price$14–$18 / 5 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Bio-tone Starter Plus
by Espoma
4-3-3
N-P-K
Price$11–$14 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Root Zone Starter Fertilizer
by Dr. Earth
2-4-2
N-P-K
Price$12–$15 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Happy Frog Jump Start Fertilizer
by FoxFarm
3-4-3
N-P-K
Price$13–$17 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Fast Start Granular Planting Fertilizer
by Jobe's Organics
4-4-2
N-P-K
Price$10–$13 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Preplant Starter
by True Organic
4-4-4
N-P-K
Price$9–$12 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Natural Purpose Granular Organic Food
by Burpee
4-4-4
N-P-K
Price$9–$11 / 4 lb
Wicked Organics has the **lowest/gentlest NPK** in this set at 2-3-3, a genuine differentiator that reduces burn risk for delicate seedlings. Most competitors run 3-3-3 to 4-4-4. Dr. Earth Root Zone (2-4-2) is the closest low-analysis match.
Bio-Tone Starter Plus
by Espoma
4-3-3
N-P-K
Sizes5 oz, 4, 8, 18, 25 lb
Price~$10-13 (4 lb)
IngredientsBone meal, feather meal, poultry manure, alfalfa, greensand, sulfate of potash; 9 endo+ecto mycorrhizae, 15 bacteria
OrganicOIM (NOT OMRI)
Root Zone Starter
by Dr. Earth
2-4-2
N-P-K
Sizes1, 4, 12 lb
Price~$10-15 (4 lb)
IngredientsAlfalfa meal, fish bone meal, feather meal, potassium sulfate, soft rock phosphate; TruBiotic + 8 mycorrhizae
OrganicOMRI, CCOF, NOP
Starter Mix
by Down To Earth
3-3-3
N-P-K
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price~$10-15 (5 lb)
IngredientsAlfalfa meal, fish bone meal, langbeinite, oyster shell, basalt, feather meal, kelp; 4 endomycorrhizal fungi
OrganicOMRI, CDFA
Happy Frog Jump Start
by FoxFarm
3-4-3
N-P-K
Sizes4 lb
Price~$15-21 (4 lb)
IngredientsAlfalfa meal, feather meal, sulfate of potash, bat guano, kelp, fish meal; mycorrhizal fungi
OrganicOMRI, CDFA
Fast Start Granular
by Jobe's Organics
4-4-2
N-P-K
Sizes4 lb
Price~$8-12 (4 lb)
IngredientsBone meal, feather meal, processed poultry manure, sulfate of potash; Biozome
OrganicOMRI Listed
Preplant Starter Food
by True Organic
4-4-4
N-P-K
Sizes4 lb
Price~$13 (4 lb)
IngredientsPoultry manure, seabird guano, fish bone meal, soybean meal, sulfate of potash, crab/shrimp shell; 6% humic acid
OrganicOMRI, ISO 22000
Organic Starter + Transplanting
by Burpee
3-6-4
N-P-K
Sizes1, 4 lb
Price~$8-12 (4 lb)
IngredientsTurkey litter compost, bone meal; mycorrhizae and beneficial microbes
OrganicOMRI Listed
Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food
by Coast of Maine
5-2-4
N-P-K
Sizes4 lb
Price~$16-22 (4 lb)
IngredientsLobster & crab shell meal, fish meal, kelp, worm castings, composted poultry manure
OrganicOMRI, MOFGA
4-6-4 Plant Food
by Sustane
4-6-4
N-P-K
Sizes5, 20, 40 lb
Price~$12-18 (5 lb)
IngredientsComposted turkey litter, feather meal, bone meal, sulfate of potash
OrganicOMRI, WSDA
Natural Organic All Purpose
by Burpee
4-4-4
N-P-K
Sizes4, 8 lb
Price~$8-12 (4 lb)
IngredientsComposted turkey litter, bone meal, feather meal, sulfate of potash; beneficial microbes
OrganicOMRI Listed
Zero Burn Risk for Seedlings
Only 2% nitrogen — the absolute minimum that still provides meaningful nutrition. Impossible to burn seedlings at recommended rates. The safest organic start possible.
3% Phosphorus for Root Initiation
Phosphorus is the first nutrient seedlings need — it drives root cell division and extension. 3% P from bone char provides gentle, sustained root-building nutrition from day one.
Seed Mix Amendment Rate
2–4 tablespoons per gallon of seed starting mix. Pre-amend your entire batch of starting media at once — every cell and tray gets consistent nutrition.
80 Gallons of Mix Per Bag
At 1 oz per gallon, one 5 lb bag amends approximately 80 gallons of seed starting mix. That's hundreds of cell packs from a single bag.
Common Questions
