Seaweed extract is touted to be a wonder-working nutrient for gardeners, as it contains essential vitamins, minerals and plant hormones to ensure rapid, health growth of sowing transplants. For those willing to take the extra mile towards making their own seaweed extract, this article will provide some insight on the steps to follow and possible challenges to look out for.
Harvesting the Seaweed
External factors such as pollution, overgrazing and over-harvesting has meant that the supply of seaweed has decreased year by year. As a result, it is very important for harvesters to practice sustainability. In-site permits may, therefore, be required before proceeding with the harvest. Popular seaweeds used are kelp, knotted wrack and bladderwrack, which are usually abundant and can be easily found in spring or summer. Upon selection, they can be cut from the rock using a hand sickle and collected in cotton or jute bags.
Preparing the Seaweed
Once harvested, the seaweed must be washed, trimmed and soaked in cold water for around 24 hours in order to rid them of the mud and other objects that have gotten entangled with the seaweed. Following this, it should be boiled in an ample quantity of fresh water for up to 2 hours to extract the valuable nutrients and active ingredients. The water will become dark brownish when it is ready. It is also important to collect the extract in a container with a lid to prevent the liquids from dissipating and losing its potency.
Adding and Straining the Seaweed Extract
When ready, the extract can either be added directly to the soil or stored for future use. If the latter is chosen, the extract should be diluted with a ratio of 1: 5 and bottled for preservation and use when needed. Before application, a filter cloth or sieve should be used to separate any large debris that did not get washed off.
Making Seaweed Extract Tea Bags
For more convenience, the jars of seaweed extract can be further transformed into ‘seaweed extract tea bags’. These tea bags can either be made by wrapping some of the boiled seaweeds in some porous cotton cloths or paper tea bags and composting them in the soil. Fertiliser can also be produced with moisture-resistant jute bags by packing them with the boiled seaweed and applying it to the soil.
Fertilizing with Seaweed Extract
To promote efficient fertilisation, seaweed extract needs to be mixed with other fertilizers – such as blood and bone meal, fish manure, worm compost and mulch – when being applied to the soil to get the best results. After which, a handful of the fertiliser can be dug into the soil and left to soak in.
Applying Seaweed Extract to Sowing Transplants
Gardeners can spray the seaweed extract onto the sowing transplants so that it can act as a protective barrier against fungal diseases. Mixing the extract with 1 litre of water before application can lead to effective results.
Storage and Care of Seaweed Extract
It is recommended to store seaweed extract for no longer than one month after brew day to retain its high nutritional value. To increase its shelf life, it is also essential to use sterilised or new equipment, use pure cold or mineral water and keep it shaded and in cool, dry and airtight containers. Moreover, it is also important to keep an eye out for bacterial contamination or an off odour which could cause it to spoil faster.
Managing Expectations
Although many gardeners have reported that using seaweed extract can be beneficial, results may vary from plant to plant and from season to season. It is, therefore, important to practise patience and continue with the sowing transplants’ regular care routine for the best yield.
Getting the Right Ratio
Gardeners should pay attention to the quantity of the seaweed fertiliser to be used. Too much or too little can adversely affect the plants’ health. Generally, about 10 litres of extract should be made for every 4.5kg of dry seaweed, which can be used in about a square metre of soil. Experts typically advise to use a 1:10 seaweed: water extracted ratio, diluted in the soil and with a 10-15 cm of depth for optimal fertilisation.
Dangers to be Aware Of
Although seaweed extract has amazing properties, it has been known to cause skin allergies if used in its raw form. Hence, once it is brewed and ready for use, it is best to use it with garden gloves and a mask to avoid contact with the eyes and nostrils. Besides this, information on chemical slurry production and associated safety concerns, including the safe disposal of materials used for brewing – such as buckets, unused seaweeds and water – needs to be taken into consideration as well.
Feedback from Experts
Experts are of the view that seaweed extract has moderate to low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) with a balanced range of nutrients such as iron, zinc, copper, boron and manganese. It can also be used on any type of soil, as it not only increases the availability of micro-organisms present, but is also suitable for promoting healthy root growth in young sowing transplants.
Additional Tips
To ensure efficiency when using seaweed extract for sowing transplants, gardeners are advised to regularly mix it with organic mulching materials. This can help to reduce soil erosion, retain moisture and provide insulation, all of which can produce healthier and lusher crops. When it comes to the watering process, adding seaweed extract half an hour before irrigating will allow it to be quickly absorbed by the soil, leading to better fertilisation and plant growth.
Alternative Methods of Harvesting
Some gardeners may not be able to access fresh seaweed for their seaweed extract. In this case, commercial seaweed powder and liquid concentrate can be used instead, as it is obtained by drying and grinding the seaweed before extracting its active ingredients. This method is convenient and safe for those who do not wish to involve themselves in the harvesting process.
Consistency of Application
To get the most out of the extract, gardeners need to ensure consistency in their application. This can range from weekly watering sessions to monthly maintenance applications, depending on the type of plants. If the extract is applied more frequently than this, the plants can become over fertilised and lead to wilting and stunted growth.
Other Benefits of Seaweed Extract
Apart from being able to promote healthy growth in sowing transplants, seaweed extract has also been found to contain natural growth hormones that can assist with the germination process. In many cases, it has been seen to increase the crop yields by up to 50%, helping gardeners obtain a larger harvest. In addition to this, seaweed extract is also free of synthetic fertilisers and chemical additives, making it safe to use for the environment.
