As long as humans have planted and harvested, fertilizer has played a role in agricultural production. Innumerable kinds of fertilizer have been experimented with in the quest for a bigger and better harvest. Some have been more successful than others. One of the time honored ways to enhance the quality of your soil, strangely enough, is with seaweed fertilizer.

Seaweed fertilizer has been in use in coastal regions throughout the world for hundreds of years. In England, in the Channel Islands, there is actually a trade specifically dedicated to harvesting and drying seaweed. Then it’s used for a variety of products, including garden fertilizer.

Seaweed was also popular as a fertilizer in Ireland. Farmers would lift the soil in rows, lay down seaweed and then replace the soil. Although it’s not so popular these days, this was common practice for planting and cultivating potatoes in that country. Even today, the coastal industries of Ireland harvest huge quantities of seaweed and kelp.

Seaweed is a remarkably effective way to improve the soil quality of a garden. The reason behind this is that the large bodies of water that are home to seaweed contain every element known to mankind. Seaweed absorbs these elements and passes them along to the soil when you add it to your garden.

Seaweed fertilizers are a popular choice among conscientious gardeners. This is because it’s an all-natural plant based product which can be added to the soil along with other organic kinds of fertilizer. It doesn’t carry the stigma of many of the commercial products that are full of chemicals. There are somewhat questionable ingredients contained in many of these products. And the manufacturing process is associated with high levels of pollution.

Similar to mulch, you can put seaweed fertilizer right on top of the soil. Lay it in between and around your plants. You’ll find that it breaks down very rapidly.

You can also include it in your compost pile. It will assist in the decomposition process and will add valuable nutrients. You can also make it into a tea, either using the liquid or powder forms. Then you gently spray the mixture on the leaves, thereby providing them with a readily available source of nutrition.

The history of seaweed as a fertilizer goes back countless years, everywhere throughout the globe. If you live near the sea, you might be lucky enough to pick it up on a nearby beach. But for the rest of us, a visit to the local garden center is almost as easy. Check the shelves for various kinds of seaweed fertilizer, including kelp meal. Since you’re there, try to get some advice on how to use it for maximum effect in your garden.