Seaweed extract is a rich source of essential nutrients plants need to grow healthy. It’s effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly – unlike chemical fertilizers. That’s why many growers prefer using seaweed extract for gardening and organic farming.

Herbs, in particular, will benefit from seaweed extract because these plants require specific nutrients to grow healthy. Just like any plants, herbs need nutrient-rich soils and lots of sunlight to produce healthy leaves and deep, strong roots.

If you are growing different herbs and would like to know how seaweed extract will benefit your garden, here are some tips.

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Seaweed Extract Enhancing Growth

Seaweed extract contains essential nutrients that enhance plant growth and improve resilience. These nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains trace elements that promote better plant health, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and zinc.

Regular use of seaweed fertilizer promotes healthy leaves, strong roots, and vigor in herbs.

Seaweed extract is especially beneficial for seedlings and young plants because it contains nutrients that neutralize stress and damage.

Studies show that using seaweed extract as a seed soak speeds up germination and produces bigger, stronger roots in young herbs. Plants with more robust root systems have higher chances of survival because they can absorb more nutrients and water from the soil. In addition, herbs and plants treated with seaweed extract produce more flowers than plants not treated with seaweed extract.

With more flowers produced, you can expect higher yields at the end of the harvest season. Because seaweed extract improves water retention in soils, it can reduce watering frequency. Most herbs cannot tolerate standing water and wet soils. These could cause diseases that will kill or weaken herbs.

Benefits of Seaweed on Plants and Herbs

Seaweed extract is derived from brown algae, kelp, knotweed, or rockweed, which contain chemicals that enhance plant growth, speed up seed germination, and improve soil consistency.

Unique Nutrients: Seaweed is an excellent source of algin, a compound that boosts water retention in the soil. This makes seaweed-based soil amendment ideal for dry soils in arid regions. In addition, seaweed contains betaines, which are proven to increase water intake in plants and enhance plants’ tolerance to different kinds of stress, including environmental and oxidative stress. The nutrients in seaweed extract also improve herbs’ frost tolerance, enabling more plants to survive in mild weather. This can potentially lead to a longer growing season.

Slow Release of Nutrients: Unlike chemical fertilizers that can cause burns from their potent formulations, seaweed extract is mild. Seaweed extract releases nutrients into the soil slowly, preventing nutrient shock. It can also be applied in various ways. You have total control over the formula, no matter how you use it.

Boost Resilience: Seaweed contains a chain of bioactives that boost herbs’ resistance to pests and diseases. It also works as food for beneficial microorganisms, which produce wastes that enrich the soil. These microorganisms protect the plants from pests and diseases too.

Better Soil Health: Seaweed extract promotes better soil health. It improves soil consistency, structure and its ability to retain water and nutrients. It’s the perfect soil amendment material for herbs because these plants require rich, well-draining soils to grow healthy.

How To Use Seaweed To Feed Your Herbs

Seaweed extract is more versatile than other soil conditioners; you have total control over the dose and potency. Applying seaweed extract as a foliar spray is the best way to do it because it’s easy and gives plants a quick boost of nutrients. Moreover, you can cover more ground without needing too much product.

You can create a solution by diluting a scoop of seaweed extract in a gallon of water. Let the seaweed extract dissolve fully before use. Spray the solution liberally on the plant leaves until dripping.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate amount of product to use. You can also mix other natural fertilizers, like fish emulsion, to complement the seaweed extract and enhance its effectiveness.

You can also dilute the seaweed extract in water to create a solution and pour it directly into the soil. Again, this is a cost-effective way of enriching the soil and boosting plant growth using seaweed extract. Apply the solution when the sun is not too intense to give plants enough time to absorb the solution.

How often do you use seaweed extract on plants?

The frequency of application will depend on various factors, such as the type of herbs you’re growing, the current growth stage of the plants, and the specific product you’re using. It’s best to apply the seaweed extract as a foliar spray 2 to 3 times weekly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the proper dose because overfertilization can harm plant health.

Getting the timing right when applying seaweed extract is equally important, especially for outdoor plants. Apply only early in the morning before the sun gets too intense and in the afternoon, after 4 PM. Intense heat can cause the solution to evaporate too quickly. Applying early in the morning or late in the afternoon gives plants enough time to absorb the solution.

Buying Seaweed Extracts To Fertilize Your Herb Garden

Not all seaweed fertilizers are created equally. Buy only from reputable sources to ensure the highest quality and purity.

ECOgardener offers a seaweed extract fertilizer with a water-soluble flake form for easy application. This organic soil conditioner is derived from seaweed Ascophyllum Nodosum and is a rich source of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, and magnesium that support healthy plant growth. Order yours today and discover why seaweed extract makes the best soil conditioner for herb plants.