How to Fertilize Plants with Seaweed Extract

Seaweed extract can be made into a rich, nutritious fertilizer for houseplants, vegetables and potted plants of all kinds. It contains all the trace minerals and nutrients a plant needs, and can be used to help plant germination, increase flower and fruit yield, protect plants from frost and pests, and increase the storage life of harvested vegetables and fruits. Fertilizer made from seaweed extract can be applied in the form of a foliar spray, which plants absorb through their leaves, or as a liquid solution that is applied directly to the soil. You can find the extract at well-stocked home and garden stores, or it can be ordered online.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid seaweed extract
• Empty milk jug
• Spray bottle
• Empty soda bottle

1. Add one tablespoon of liquid seaweed extract to one gallon of water. Mix the two together in a plastic gallon-sized container such as a clean milk jug, and then shake to combine. This will create a foliar spray that you can apply directly to the leaves of your plants. Store the mixture in a cool, dry place until ready to use. It should make several batches.

2. Fill a spray bottle with the seaweed extract mixture and set the sprayer to the first setting. The finer mist is easier for plants to absorb than larger droplets. Spray the seaweed fertilizer onto the foliage of your outdoor vegetable plants, including the undersides of the leaves, early in the morning while the leaf pores are still open. Do not rinse, but allow the plant to soak up the nutrient rich liquid.

3. Add four tablespoons of liquid seaweed extract to two quarts of water to make an adequate fertilizer for house plants and potted plants. Mix together in a plastic container, such as a clean soda bottle. Apply approximately one to two cups, depending on the size of the plant, directly to the soil. Allow the liquid fertilizer to drain through and remove the plant from any standing water. Do not allow the plant to sit in the seaweed extract.

4. Add one teaspoon of liquid seaweed extract to one quart of water to create a fertilizer for seed beds prior to planting. Mix well and pour all of the seaweed extract fertilizer directly into the soil. Work in with a garden spade to thoroughly incorporate the mixture into the soil, and then plant as usual. Your plants will grow larger and more vigorously after this application.

Tips & Warnings

• If using the foliar seaweed extract spray, use only once per growing season for vegetable plants. Use the liquid fertilizer once every two months for house plants and potted plants.
• The foliar spray mixture can also be used to pre-soak seeds and/or bulbs prior to planting.
• Only apply seaweed extract to plants during their active growing season.