Fertilizer has been important to farmers and gardeners as long as they’ve been cultivating the fields. Innumerable kinds of fertilizer have been experimented with in the quest for a bigger and better harvest. There are some that have proved to be more effective, however. As strange as it may seem, seaweed fertilizer is among the most valued ways to improve soil quality.

Seaweed fertilizer has been in use in coastal regions throughout the world for hundreds of years. 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. The soil would be lifted up in rows, the seaweed laid down, and then the soil would be replaced. 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.

Seaweed is a remarkably effective way to improve the soil quality of a garden. This is because seaweed grows in seas and oceans, where all the elements that are known to exist can be found. 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. There are somewhat questionable ingredients contained in many of these products. And the manufacturing process is associated with high levels of pollution.

Seaweed fertilizer can be added directly to the soil, just like mulch. Place it around and in between the plants. It tends to break down quite quickly.

You can also include it in your compost pile. It will assist in the decomposition process and will add valuable nutrients. 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.

The history of seaweed as a fertilizer goes back countless years, everywhere throughout the globe. If you live near the sea, you might be lucky enough to pick it up on a nearby beach. 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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Filed under: backyard garden • backyard gardening • gardening tips • indoor herb garden • new brunswick • vegetable garden

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