Why You Need Natural Seaweed Fertilizer

Introduction

When it comes to feeding your plants, either in your indoor garden or in your outdoor garden, you have a lot of choice. There are chemical fertilizers from very well-known brands, seaweed-based fertilizers, gluten-based fertilizers, phytoplankton-based fertilizers, etc. And these fertilizers are divided into categories. For example, there are fertilizers for tropical plants, tomatoes, orchids, cactus, lawns, fruit trees, evergreen trees, and the list goes on.

In addition to this, there is a plethora of home-made fertilizers suggested on the internet that use kitchen scraps, compost, coffee grinds and more. Does it really make a difference which fertilizer you use? How can one decide which one to use? And is my seaweed fertilizer for you?

The fertilizer you use makes a difference

Fertilizer is plant food. As plants grow, they consume carbon dioxide from the air and nutrients from the soil. Just like the food we eat makes a difference, the food you give to your plants also makes a difference.

The nutrients in the soil need to be soluble in water for the plants to be able to use them because it is the water that carries the fertilizer from the soil through the roots and into the plants. The soil outdoors contains beneficial bacteria that convert insoluble minerals into soluble nutrients that the plants can use. As the plants extract these nutrients from the soil, the nutrients need to be replenished. Otherwise, the plant will stop growing, get sick and it will eventually die.

What makes a good fertilizer?

Fertilizers are commonly labelled with their NPK values. NPK stands for: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium because N is the chemical symbol for nitrogen, P is the chemical symbol for phosphorus and K is the chemical symbol for potassium. These three elements are considered the most important nutrients that plants need.

The reality is that plants need at least 17 nutrients to be healthy, not just these three. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese, molybdenum, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Plant Nutrition guide

I have recently added a Plant Nutrition Section to the Library (Click here to see my Plant Nutrition Guide). It contains pictures of plants with each the deficiencies to help you diagnose your plants. It also contains a brief explanation of what each nutrient does. Check it out at your convenience.

Why my Seaweed Fertilizer is Special

In general, seaweed fertilizer is derived from seaweeds which are harvested in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian or other oceans. Most seaweed fertilizers are extracts and do not contain all the beneficial ingredients that seaweed has to offer. My seaweed fertilizer is made from the entire plant and therefore is rich in nutrients, minerals, and trace elements that are vital for plant growth. In addition, it is specifically formulated to promote healthy and vibrant growth over a longer period of time. Because the seaweed is fortified with banana peel and onion peel tea you only need to apply it every four to six weeks. Compare this to the two weeks recommended by most seaweed and phytoplankton-based fertilizers.

The teas add more essential elements. Additionally, they contain natural ingredients that help prevent fungus and root rot. They also help the plant resist other stresses such as pests. It improves soil fertility because the nutrients are bio-available, enhances root development, and provides the necessary nutrients for beautiful flowers and strong foliage.

How to Use the Seaweed Fertilizer

How often should you use the fertilizer? I recommend using the fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing season and every 8 to 10 weeks during the plant’s dormant period.

Seaweed Fertilizer Application: To nourish your indoor plant with seaweed fertilizer, follow these instructions:

1.  Gently shake the bottle to make sure that the seaweed fertilizer is evenly dispersed in the bottle. Some settling may occur when the bottle is stored for a long time.

2.  Add 15 mL per L of water (1/2 fluid Oz, 1 Table spoon or 3 teaspoons) of the seaweed fertilizer to the watering can.

3.  Fill the watering can with the appropriate amount of water.

4.  Gently mix the seaweed fertilizer/water mixture.

5.  Water your plants as needed.

I usually prepare my watering can right away after watering. That way the water is at room temperature when I want to use it next and any chlorine from the tap water has had a chance to evaporate. This is less stressful to the plants than pouring cold, chlorinated water over the roots. Some plants are especially sensitive to the temperature of the water. Never use hot water from the tap because this can shock the roots and hot water generally contains less dissolved air.

Regularly monitor your plants for signs of overwatering, stress, or nutrient deficiency. Using my seaweed fertilizer along with my Nutritional leaf spray (to keep the leaves clean and shiny) and Liquid Mulch (to keep the soil in the pot and keep the soil alive) can help you avoid many of the problems associated with growing plants indoors. Check my plant care guide for more information about caring for specific plant species.