Kelp Meal  

Commonly known as Norwegian Kelp or Rockweed, Kelp Meal is widely recognized as the richest marine plant for agriculture use in soil applications. This unique seaweed grows in abundance along the coast of Canada, where its cold and clean growing environment is continuously replenished by the world's highest tides.

Fresh seaweed is dried using gentle passive solar drying technology which preserves the maximum benefits of the live seaweed.  The organic matter and soil conditioning properties in Kelp Meal are important to the fertility and productivity of agricultural soils. Organic matter in the soil, and associated soil microflora, bacteria and fungi, play an important role in soil fertility and plant nutrient uptake.

 Kelp Meal  acts as a soil conditioner by stimulating microbial activity, a process often compromised by modern agricultural practices. The minerals released and humus colloids formed during the decomposition of Kelp Meal, result in the aggregation of soil particles and the retention of nutrients which might otherwise be leached from the soil.

I mix kelp into my watering bucket at about a tablespoon a gallon (and strain).  You will see a dramatic difference in seedlings watered this way.  Kelp is an excellent source of plant hormones that stimulate plant and root growth.  Of course you can work it into the soil around your plants at about a teaspoon per plant.  I would never be without kelp myself.  We even go to the ocean ourselves and collect it here.  I first dry it in the sun and then put it in the chicken coops so the girls can poop on it.  It gets broken down over the next three months and then goes to be composted for a few more months.  Then it is GARDENER'S GOLD as far as I'm concerned!

OK, I know you may not have a cold water ocean near or the chickens, but you can buy the kelp we offer here.  It comes from company that has been sustainably harvesting kelp for 30 years.  It is great stuff!

Further information on using seaweed.