Which seaweed for fertilizer

The practice of mulching is essential in areas where conditions are hot and dry. Eliminates the need to weed Mulch covers the soil and blocks new weeds from sprouting. Because the soil beneath the mulch remains moist, any weeds which do manage to sprout through the mulch are easy to pick. Repels slugs and other pests Slugs are immediately repelled by two things — salt and sharp-edged materials. Seaweed has a natural salt content which repels slugs, and within a few days of application it dries and becomes quite crispy.

While some mulches may provide hiding spots for slugs, earwigs and other pests, seaweed mulch does not have this disadvantage. Enriches the soil Seaweed is a broad spectrum fertilizer that is rich in beneficial trace minerals and hormones that stimulate plant growth. Seaweed is high in carbohydrates which are essential building blocks in growing plants, and low in cellulose so it breaks down readily.

Seaweed shares no diseases with land plants. Boosts lethargic plants Seaweed fertilizer contains an abundance of fully chelated ready to use micro-nutrients which can be readily absorbed by plants without any further chemical decomposition needed. Helps lighten the soil Compacted soil can benefit as seaweed mulch breaks down. As the material becomes incorporated into the soil, aeration is improved and the soil becomes more crumbly and moist.

Does not contain weed seeds, unlike bark mulch Two years ago we used commercial bark mulch to cover our garden pathways for the purpose of blocking weeds. Today, these pathways are sprouting horsetail, an invasive weed which can be difficult to eradicate. Seaweed does not bring any foreign weed seeds into your garden. But what about salt? Is this a problem? We have been using seaweed as mulch for many years and have not seen any adverse effect, such as a salt overload in the soil.

In our region we have plentiful rain. If you are concerned about salt, seaweed can be spread out over the driveway and rinsed with a hose. Of course this is not an issue if you are using freshwater lake weed. In this picture you can see the bare spots showing how much the seaweed has shrunk after the first application. Even a generous layer of seaweed will dry in a few hot days to expose much of the soil. The seaweed will become very stiff and crispy.

Ideally, you should reapply in a week or so, and this second application will dry out but still provide good coverage for your soil. Once we make the second application, our beds are usually well-mulched for at least 4 — 6 weeks even in hot, dry weather. Beneficial fungi in the root zone help plants to use water more efficiently while also increasing disease and salinity resistance. To start off with, you want to look for a quality product that is the result of room temperature fermentation.

When heat is used it affects the configuration of amino acids released and kills beneficial bacteria and fungi which decreases the overall biological activity of the end product. Commercially produced liquid seaweed fertilizers are highly concentrated and must be diluted prior to you to avoid damaging your plants.

The rate of dilution depends on the type of plant you are fertilizing but for most garden plants, you should dilute it in 50 times the water as product. This usually equates to 4 or 5 tablespoons per gallon of water. For indoor plants use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Being a liquid product you can choose to apply it as a foliar spray to your plants in a couple of different ways. In all cases, you want to apply the liquid to the leaves until it starts to drip off.

If you can locally collect your own seaweed you can save yourself the expense of buying a commercial seaweed fertilizer and make your own. Because of the nature of the product, the shelf life is shorter than granular, inorganic products. To get the longest life out of your seaweed fertilizer store the concentrated product in a tightly closed container at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

Under these conditions, it will stay stable for a year. With an M. Updated September 28, Amanda Shiffler Plant expert, M. What is liquid seaweed fertilizer Liquid seaweed fertilizer is simply what its name suggests: a fertilizer that has been derived from natural seaweed sources. Benefits Seaweed products are different than traditional fertilizers in a couple of critical ways. First off, their production methods have environmental benefits over conventional fertilizers.

Specifically, their benefits are seen in the following aspects: Sustainability : Seaweed is a renewable resource, that can be easily harvested. Components of liquid seaweed fertilizer The extra benefits observed when using a liquid kelp fertilizer arise from the makeup of the product itself. Potassium also helps to thicken cell walls to prevent against pathogen and disease infection. Quality To start off with, you want to look for a quality product that is the result of room temperature fermentation.

Concentration Commercially produced liquid seaweed fertilizers are highly concentrated and must be diluted prior to you to avoid damaging your plants. Application methods Being a liquid product you can choose to apply it as a foliar spray to your plants in a couple of different ways.

If you have small houseplants or herbs, mix it in a hand-held spray bottle and then mist the plants. You can also mix it in a watering can and then sprinkle the diluted solution over your plants. If you have a large planting area to cover, you can mix a larger amount of solution and then put it in a sprayer to apply. Plants need growth to slow during the colder months; fertilizer will unnaturally break this dormancy.

Use it to improve seed germination and early root growth by either soaking the seeds overnight in a dilute solution or spraying them just after planting. When repotting container plants, or planting container plants in the ground, after removing the root ball from the container spray it with liquid seaweed fertilizer to reduce the risk of transplant shock.

Supplies Seaweed Water Lidded, airtight container a bucket is perfect Instructions Head down to the seashore and collect a big bunch - or small if you prefer - of seaweed and bring it home.

Place the rinsed seaweed in the container, cover it completely with water, and then firmly snap the lid on. Stick it out of the way and let it sit for a couple of weeks, or months if the temperature is cooler.

To use it, dilute one part to 10 parts water and then spray on plants in a fine mist or apply with a watering can until the liquid drips off the leaves. We are a family-run business, super passionate about delivering the best. Specialising in unique premium quality garden, pond and home products, we believe you deserve the ultimate performance to suit your needs.

Seaweed fertilisers are organic plant feeds containing extracts of seaweed sustainably derived from the ocean. Ascophyllum nodosum is a variety particularly renowned for its ability to boost overall plant health. Containing beneficial nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, nitrogen and more. Domestically, seaweed fertilisers are most commonly used by gardeners who wish to avoid animal-derived or chemical fertilisers, whilst cultivating the long-term benefits of organic gardening.

However, liquid seaweed fertilisers tend to be the most popular. This is because in most cases, liquid fertilisers deliver quicker results in comparison to solid. Additionally, it can be difficult to track the rate at which plants are taking in solid fertilisers. Which makes it difficult for gardeners to keep up with a regular feeding routine.

All types of plants can benefit from seaweed fertilisers. Containing complex carbs and vital minerals, seaweed extract delivers every plant with the valuable nutrients needed to grow and thrive.

In fact, seaweed fertilisers have the broadest range of benefits to plants beyond plant nutrition. They also promote bacterial activity in soil mediums. Known to improve root nutrient intake. Along with having the ability to improve resistance to disease, pests and abiotic plant stress. Seaweed fertilisers can be used all around your garden. Of course, your results will vary depending on where you use the treatment. For example, you will find that your lawn is lush and evenly green in comparison to an untreated lawn.

While your fruit and vegetable garden will benefit from greater and healthier harvests. However, the most important thing to understand is how to use seaweed fertilisers, especially liquid forms, because this will greatly determine the results of the treatment. Liquid seaweed fertilisers are strong; therefore, dilution is essential to avoid burning seeds and roots.