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Seaweed is rich in trace elements and potassium, which makes it ideal to add to compost in its raw state, to work in as a mulch, or to create a liquid fertiliser. This is really easy to do and your plants will be thankful for it; seaweed fertiliser releases about 60 nutrients plants can benefit from.[1]
Steps
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1Gather the seaweed. Make sure it is lawful to do so and do not pillage your local beach! Look for seaweed that isn't too stinky and is still wet.
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2Rinse the seaweed to remove some of the excess salt.
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3Fill a bucket or barrel to three quarters way with water. Add as much seaweed as will fit and leave to soak.
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4Stir the seaweed mix every two to four days.
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5Allow to soak for several weeks to several months. The fertiliser grows stronger over time. Make sure to keep the brew somewhere that its odours won't affect your daily household. It is ready for use when it no longer carries a smell of ammonium.[2]
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6Use as needed. When it is ready, use as a fertiliser on your plants and garden beds (soil). It should be diluted with water at a minimum of three parts to one.[3]
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use any seaweed to make fertilizer?
Community AnswerYes, you can. -
QuestionI bought seaweed tea sheets, how do I prepare it for drinking?Community AnswerThe tea described in this article is liquid fertilizer for plants, do not drink it.
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QuestionIs seaweed liquid fertilizer good for a cacao plant?
Community AnswerYes. seaweed liquid extract is good for all plants. -
QuestionCan seaweed be made into liquid form and fed to hens. If so, how long would it keep?
Community AnswerYes. Seaweed can be liquefied. How long it keeps is dependent upon what, if any, preservation methods you use. -
QuestionCan seaweed in any for be used in large-scale farms?Community AnswerYes. However, if your farm area is larger, logistics can be a big challenge.
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QuestionIs it 3 parts water to 1 part tea or the other way round?Community AnswerIt's 3 parts water to 1 part fertilizer tea.
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QuestionHow can I find out if a beach in my area allows seaweed to be collected for home use as a fertilizer?Community AnswerContact your state Department of Fish & Wildlife. In many coastal states you can obtain a harvest permit for a minimal fee. Some states often include this permit with a saltwater fishing license. There is, of course, a daily or seasonal limit, and care should be taken to not over-harvest this resource.
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QuestionCan I use seaweed in its natural form for growing potatoes?Community AnswerYes; spread it on the soil 10 cm to 15 cm thick in the autumn or early winter, then plant your seed potatoes in the following spring.
Things You'll Need
- Bucket or barrel
- Seaweed
- Water
References
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Tim Marshall, Composting, p. 71, (2008), ISBN 978-0-7333-2416-1
- ↑ Daryl Crimp and Norman Holtzhausen, Food from the sea, p. 67 and p. 74, (2007), ISBN 978-1-86950-659-9
