What are the benefits of incorporating Seaweed into your garden?
- It's FREE and widely available for many gardeners
- Enriches the soil with natural minerals
- Unlike mulch at garden/landscape centers it doesn't contain weeds
- Keeps your soil moist and will cut back on watering costs
- Nutrients and minerals will give unhealthy plants a "boost"
- Repels slugs and other pests in your garden
- Cuts back on weeding
- Prevents fungus and disease in your garden
Some of the minerals in seaweed are: Iodine, Calcium, B Vitamins, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Chromium, & Copper.
Did you know that kelp is one of the world's fastest growing plants? Dehydrated seaweed powders and fertilizers are commonly sold in garden centers, and for good reason! These garden amendments and fertilizers naturally contain growth hormones which are taken up by the plants around them. They are packed full with trace minerals your plants will love.
How To Gather Seaweed For Gardening Purposes:
- Gather seaweed from the beach that is slightly dry
- Choose seaweed that is already broken up, or smaller in size
- Gather seaweed from multiple locations so you do not heavily impact just one area on the beach
How To Apply Seaweed as a Mulch, Into Your Garden:
- Soak the seaweed in a large tub or barrel of water to remove any excess salt.
- Seaweed breaks down quickly so add it to your garden within 48 hours of harvesting from the shore
- Apply a thick, 4 inch layer of seaweed
- Reapply a new thick layer of seaweed 1 week after the first layer
- Leave "breathing" room around the stems of all of your plants
- Feel free to incorporate other mulches along with the seaweed
**Rules about collecting seaweed vary by state, even town-to-town. Some locations may require a permit. It’s definitely a good idea to check whether there are local regulations before collecting sea weed.
