Fertilizer has been important to farmers and gardeners as long as they’ve been cultivating the fields. In the search for ways to improve the quality and quantity of the crop, countless types of fertilizers have been tried. Some have been more successful than others. One of the time honored ways to enhance the quality of your soil, strangely enough, is with seaweed fertilizer.
For centuries, coastal regions around the world have relied on seaweed fertilizer. In England, in the Channel Islands, there is actually a trade specifically dedicated to harvesting and drying seaweed. Then it’s used for a variety of products, including garden fertilizer.
In Ireland, seaweed also enjoyed popularity as a fertilizer. Farmers would lift the soil in rows, lay down seaweed and then replace the soil. Although it’s not so popular these days, this was common practice for planting and cultivating potatoes in that country. Even today, the coastal industries of Ireland harvest huge quantities of seaweed and kelp.
You can make a big difference in the quality of your garden soil by using seaweed. The reason behind this is that the large bodies of water that are home to seaweed contain every element known to mankind. Seaweed absorbs these elements and passes them along to the soil when you add it to your garden.
Environmentally conscious gardeners are particularly attracted to seaweed fertilizer. The reason for this is that it’s an organic product derived from plants, and can enhance the soil in cooperation with other forms of natural fertilizer. It doesn’t carry the stigma of many of the commercial products that are full of chemicals. These products frequently contain dubious ingredients. And the manufacturing process is associated with high levels of pollution.
Similar to mulch, you can put seaweed fertilizer right on top of the soil. Lay it in between and around your plants. It tends to break down quite quickly.
You can also include it in your compost pile. It will add nutrients and help to break down the other ingredients in the mix. As well, both the powder and liquid forms can be made into a tea-like solution. You then mist this concoction onto the leaves to provide another source of nutrients.
Seaweed has a long and fruitful history in gardens throughout the world. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a large body of water, you can probably find it at the water’s edge. However, taking a trip to a nearby nursery is an option for just about everyone. Ask for kelp meal or other types of seaweed fertilizers. And while you’re there, ask them to give you some tips on how to add it to your garden to give it new life.
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