Questions on Kelp/Seaweed Tea

16 years ago

Hi there,

Enjoying this forum immensely, as I learn more about organic lawn care.

I'd like to apply kelp/seaweed tea to my cool-season lawn as a foliar spray for the nutrients and to help with heat stress. Problem is that liquid or powdered kelp does not seem readily available around here (Ontario, Canada).

The closest I've found is dried crushed seaweed in the plant section of local hardware store.

I also found a recipe online that says a quarter pound of seaweed for every gallon. Let steep for 24-36 hours and spray. The article says adding an air bubbler would be even better.

So my questions are;

1) Can I used dried crushed seaweed to make the tea?

2) Should I use the air bubbler (like compost tea)?

3) Should I add molasses, like other recipes suggest for compost tea (the article I read made no mention of molasses)?

4) What is the application rate for lawns as a foliar spray and should it be dilluted?

5) Do you have a different recipe or other suggestions for kelp application to lawn with only crushed seaweed available (note: applying the crushed seaweed directly to lawn seems too expensive to cover my yard at $15 for only 5.5 lbs!)

My sincere thanks, Dac

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Comments (4)

skoot_cat
16 years ago
I purchase 10.7oz Soluble Seaweed Powder online. Its about $15 and shipping is cheap because its powder. Makes 1gal liquid concentrate. (link below)

Application rate Lawn: Spray solution of 2 teaspoon to 1 gallon of water (to cover 1,000 square feet) per month (minimum 5 applications per season.)

Might be easier/cheaper than brewing your own?

Here is a link that might be useful: Soluble Seaweed
fescue_planter
16 years ago
skoot_cat, could I ask you for your personal experience with the maxicrop powder? Do you find it being better for heat stress tolerance? Does it green up your lawn? Anybody with any other testimonials?
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skoot_cat
16 years ago
Do you find it being better for heat stress tolerance?
I've only applied it 3 times over a 3 month period. So I have not yet noticed any difference in heat stress tolerance.

Does it green up your lawn?
Yes very much, for about 3-4 weeks.

I am hoping by next year to really notice all the benefits especially heat stress tolerance.
morpheuspa (6B/7A, E. PA)
16 years ago
I'm using the Maxicrop now too--two months, but I don't currently have a lawn. :-) I'm working on it.

Still, use in the gardens every three weeks has intensified greens, increased growth rates, and made the flower colors much more vibrant.

If it has a quarter the impact on the new lawn, I'll be thrilled.