Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Seaweed dilution

mummy.dearestmummy.dearest Posts: 5
in Problem solving
I overlook the beach, and decided it would be a waste not to make use of the huge amounts of seaweed washed up. I dug some in, but wanted to make some liquid seaweed. Followed instructions, filled a bucket & topped up with water, lid on and wait. After some weeks, I strained off the foul smelling liquid. Now, I had a problem - all the sites recommend diluting 10:1, but without knowing the quanities used in the bucket, how can I be sure that what I've made isn't too strong or weak? I'm very confused! Will it cause harm to my plants if it is too strong?

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    You can't be sure as you say, but if the recipe indicates 10:1 that's a good starting point (it does seem a bit weak though). You don't need to be too precise with the amount you use - if you see Monty he just pours quite a lot of (Maxicrop) concentrate into his watering can and uses it - it almost looks like black paint coming out of the spout.
    I also use Maxicrop and at the recommended rate mine looks like a strong brew of tea.
    I'd guess if you mixed so it looks like tea you'd be about right - without the milk :)
     

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • mummy.dearestmummy.dearest Posts: 5
    Haha - thank you.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    With the price of the commercial brands these days you're so lucky to have such a useful resource on your doorstep.
    I use seaweed meal (dried crushed seaweed) too, maybe you could have a go at that, or just spread in the autumn and let nature break it down.
    I'd love to see a washing line pegged up with drying seaweed!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • mummy.dearestmummy.dearest Posts: 5
    I spread it out on the patio, quick hose to get rid of any nasties. I initially put it on top as a mulch, but I found it just dried out. So now I dig it in. I'd seen the commercial liquid seaweeds in the stores, so thought I'd give it a go.  I've started an experiment - half my raised bed with seaweed, half with phostrogen - which I've used for years. We shall see...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I don't want to worry you, but - it's illegal to take seaweed from most shores/beaches, unless it's unattached or you have permission. 
    If it's detached from it's growing point, it would be ok, but you may need to check, especially if you're taking more than a small amount   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mummy.dearestmummy.dearest Posts: 5
    I checked with our local council & they're happy. Our beach has loads when the tide is right. We take only from the 'middle' layer. No point in taking any of the high stuff as it has dried too much. And with that on the tideline there's a chance it still has small creatures in it. Only a carrier bag at a time - in fact the council guy said it would save them the job of scooping it all up. Not sure I want that much 😀
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Ah - that's good. I was just concerned you might find yourself in trouble!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Your experiment will be interesting - they're 2 very different products.
    Phostrogen (great stuff!) is mostly NPK with some micronutrients.
    Seaweed is mainly micronutrients with very little NPK.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • mummy.dearestmummy.dearest Posts: 5
    Testing it on runner beans, tomatoes and courgettes. They started at roughly the same size, so photos will show me how much difference it makes - I've got backups in pots with my own compost, in case it's a disaster...
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    I agree go with the colour of tea. Maxicrop is quite weak, 30-40 ml per 5 litres. Another brand I use,  SM3 ,  is used at 10ml per 5 litres , so it varies a lot. As mentioned straight seaweed is mostly a growth stimulant, with micro nutrients.  Other seaweed feeds  have other ingredients added.  Another experiment would be to combine your seaweed with the phostrogen for a complete feed. Phostrogen itself is not very strong either.
    AB Still learning

Sign In or Register to comment.