Do you know what is and how to use kelp meal? Whether you are growing indoors or outdoor plants, the one element you want to see is healthy plants. With organic farming practices growing more popular, it’s paramount you get acquainted. Organic farming is successful with the use of safe organic fertilizers.
One such fertilizer is Kelp meal. It contains beneficial nutrients that all plants need. It is one of the safest fertilizers with no additives or harmful compounds. Simply ground seaweed! Let us learn how to use kelp meal as fertilizer on houseplants or foods.
What is Kelp Meal?
Kelp meal comes from dried seaweed. The seaweed is brown in color; a type of marine algae. It is a rich product of the ocean, dried, and then pulverized into a meal product and used as a fertilizer.
This organic fertilizer is sustainable. It enhances healthier plant growth as well as promotes fruit and vegetable yields. It contains plentiful benefits for different varieties of plants. You can thus adopt it as a staple in your gardening journey.
This seaweed fertilizer comes in three forms:
- Extract
- Cold-pressed liquid
- Digested liquid forms
What Nutrients Does Kelp Meal Contain?
Kelp meal is a proven choice of organic fertilizer. It delivers nature’s excellent supply of the world’s finest nutrients.
It contains macronutrients – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). They are present in small amounts that are not harmful to the plants. It also gives sufficient vitamins, amino acids, and over sixty traces of micronutrients.
It preserves your
How to use Kelp Meal and Its Application Rate
Kelp meal can either work on its own or with other fertilizer blends. It is such a forgiving organic fertilizer to use in your garden because you cannot overdo it. It is only added multiple times in a year. Its nutrients dissolve much slower than other types making it last longer.
Depending on the size of your garden or style of gardening, you will need to know how much to apply for best results. This is a general guideline to guide you on the application rate:
- Outdoor vegetable garden beds: Use one to two pounds per a hundred square feet. Mix with the top three inches of the
soil for better absorption. Apply it once or twice during long growing cycles. - When transplanting seedlings: Use one teaspoon per hole, mix with
soil and water. - To feed growing plants: Side dress with two teaspoons per plant once or twice per growing season.
- House plants: Use one tablespoon per gallon of
soil once or twice per year.
FAQs
How do you mix kelp fertilizer?
If you want to grow kelp, you can use the product yourself or you can get it premixed with compost and other materials. You can mix your own kelp fertilizer by combining a few ingredients:
Kelp powder – 1 part Compost – 2 parts Rice hulls – 1 part You will also need to add sand, peat moss and charcoal to the mix.
If you do not have any of these items on hand, you can use your garden store and they should be able to help you find everything you need. When mixing the kelp fertilizer, you will want to mix the kelp powder in first then add the other ingredients.
Kelp powder (or kelp meal) is sold as a powder in most nurseries, and it's generally easy to find at home improvement stores.
How do I apply kelp to my garden?
Apply kelp to your garden by sprinkling it in a regular, non-chlorinated garden.
The kelp will float and settle, and you can easily harvest it when it has settled. You can also add it to your compost pile.
Kelp contains all of the nutrients that you would expect in a seaweed, and can be used as an organic fertilizer. If you have a garden pond, sprinkle kelp directly on the pond.
You can buy kelp from any store that sells organic food. Kelp is easy to grow.
How often should I use seaweed fertilizer?
Seaweed fertilizers are a great way to provide an extra boost of nutrition to your garden. The best time to apply seaweed fertilizers is after a rain event or when the soil is moist. You can also use them as mulch in your garden beds.
One teaspoon of seaweed fertilizer equals about 1/2 tablespoon of product. In general, it is a good idea to start out slow and work your way up to the recommended dose.
Sprinkle the fertilizer on the top of the soil. Follow up with regular watering, and if possible, a good hard rain. In general, the fertilizer will take effect within 10-14 days. However, this varies from one product to another. The fertilizer may also take longer to work if it has been sitting in a container for too long.
Seaweed fertilizers are available in a wide variety of formulations and sizes. They are usually sold in granular form and are most effective when used in small amounts at the root level. Follow these easy steps to get the best results: Mix the fertilizer into a small amount of water (water will settle at the bottom) in a bucket. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a thin layer over the top of the soil, about 1/2 inch deep. This will provide a consistent dose of nutrients. Water thoroughly and wait for results. If you use an organic fertilizer, you may need to water more often.
Take Away
Kelp meal not only contains a surplus of micronutrients, but it’s also affordable giving you value for your money. With the nutrients absorbing slower than usual, it means a little goes a long way. Just like drinking your coffee from a coffee cup then switching to a drinking straw! You enjoy every sip for longer!
Now you know how to use kelp meal as fertilizer, try it on your plants, and enjoy an organic garden!
Brian is an avid gardener who loves spending time outdoors. He is passionate about using his green thumb to create beautiful, lush gardens for her friends and family. He finds joy in tending to her garden, trimming plants, and cultivating new species. He enjoys to share his knowledge and experience with others with a similar gardening enthusiasm. Brian is a true nature enthusiast and a has true passion for the outdoors.
