Seaweed

Hi im very new to all this,so i hope im doing it right. Ihave put well rotted manure on my garden (doh where else would you put it) But i have heard that seaweed is also great, is it all types of seaweed or a certain type,does anyone know that can help me please
Thank You Sandy

 

Hi there Sandy and welcome to Gardeners Corner. It may be helpful to know what kind of soil you have in your garden, because if its clay not sure that you would need any other addition other than ordinary organic matter to condition it. As I recall the seaweed that used to be gathered on the coast and used to be used on the soil was kelp.

 

Thank you Fran for your very quick reply.The soil is a dark, fine,very well cultivated so ive been told .not sandy nor clay, Do i just collect it and throw it on the garden or do i dig it in , Sandy

 

Sounds like you have very nice soil Sandypam, most of us struggle with clay or something else less than perfect.

Try googling "vraic". I remember old stamps from the Channel Islands with a picture of people collecting seaweed, and the caption was "Gathering Vraic". I had a quick look and it seems to be any seaweed. I would be concerned to wash off the salt, but they did not seem to worry. It was apparently applied to the soil as gathered or alternatively after drying.

 

Thanks PeterS wow what an education, and i thought seaweed was just "that slimy green stuff " i didnt realize there was so much more . apart from being good for the garden. Thank You Sandy

 

wrack is derived from bladder-wrack..... that kind of brown stuff clingin on to rocks mid-tide, which children love to "pop"
if your feeling in need of some stimulating fodder try seaweed soup!
http://www.seaveg.co.uk/seasalad.html