The virtues of Seaweed extract ?

I have noticed that seaweed extract liquid or powder are becoming more popular for plant feeding ,root and foliage in our gardens.
I acquired a bottle of the liquid cheaply when Homebase was closing down and it seems you need a very small quantity per Lts.of water. I am liking the sound of this also it is organic.
Does anyone have a view on this ,is this the way forward ? Does it suit all plants? Is there a downside?
With the cost or gardening going crazy ,is seaweed extract cost effective?
Of course if you live by the coast as some on hear do..........seems like a good idea to harvest some.
Next time I go to the coast I might just help myself to a bag............even though it might be illegal .

 

@roders be careful I'm watching you

 

Roders, seaweed is the very best soil conditioner in my opinion. Used to add tons of it directly on to the garden....beaches not far away. Slugs and snails also hated it.
Seaweed extract is a a great tonic and great for providing trace elements. Alternated with tomato food/phostrogen/high potash liquid feeds I find ornamentals and edible crops respond well.
No downsides as I see it but best regarded mainly as a tonic on most everything except ericaceous plants. Nutrient level not great
For me, epsom salts and seaweed extracts are excellent for building strong, disease and pest resistant plants

 

Didn`t you wash the salt off first ?

 

No Tetters. I put loads of it down in the autumn and allow the winter rains to "wash" it. Come spring that mass of seaweed has broken down. More cultivation and ground is ready for veg sowing. Amazing how quickly it breaks down

 

Without harming the plants?

 

Yes indeedy
In the ornamental garden the mulch of seaweed did no harm at all......an annual regime

 

I am a great fan of Seaweed too. I use the bottled form on all my plants and the fresh seaweed is a great slug and snail deterrent. As Verdun has stated fresh seaweed does break down quite quickly so more than one trip to the beach needed .

 

Well, you learn something every day. I knew seaweed extract was a good fertiliser, but not that it could be used fresh from the beach !

 

Seaweed fan myself but watch out when gathering it from the beach as I think its illegal. Crazy i know but still illegal umless yoj ask the landowner.


I think the owners name us usually Elizabeth II.

 

Nobody will notice ....

 

Here's what I found: