Seaweed is rich in nutrients and potassium, which makes it a perfect ingredient for mulch, but also for an easy-to-make liquid fertilizer that will greatly benefit the plants in your garden. In fact, the liquid fertilizer obtained from the infusion of seaweed can release up to 60 different nutrients.
Steps
Step 1. Collect seaweed
Make sure it's allowed by law. Don't pillage the local beaches! Check that the algae are still moist, but they shouldn't smell too strong.
Step 2. Rinse the algae to remove excess salt
Step 3. Fill 3/4 of a bucket or barrel with clean water
Add as many seaweeds as you can fit and leave them to soak.
Step 4. Stir in the algae every two to four days
Step 5. Leave the algae to soak for a few weeks or even a few months
The fertilizer will get stronger and stronger over time. Make sure you keep the bucket in an isolated environment so that the strong smell of the seaweed doesn't bother anyone. It is not advisable to leave it inside your home. The fertilizer is ready when you no longer smell ammonia.
Step 6. Use the fertilizer according to your needs
When ready, fertilize your garden plants and soil with this fertilizer. You should dilute one part of fertilizer with three parts of water.
Advice
- The algae can be reused. Leave the residue in the bucket and fill it again with water. After the second infusion, the algae won't release any other nutrients, so you'll need to compost them.
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There are several types of seaweed:
- Ulva - Ulva lactuca; Enteromorpha intestinalis; Caulerpa brownii.
- Red seaweed - Porphyra tender, known by Europeans as laver and by the Japanese as nori, by Maori as karengo and is easily collected on the rocks.
- Powdered algae are also used as a slow-release fertilizer. They are spread directly on the ground or added to the compost. They also bring great benefits to earthworm farms as they make humus richer.
- Seaweed not only provides a wealth of nutrients, but also hormones, vitamins and enzymes that promote flowering and plant growth, as well as branching and extension of roots.
