Kelp Meal

Credit: Terry Guscott

A valuable source of nitrogen and potash, this is a renewable resource organic fertilizer that’s recommended for all garden applications.

It can be added to the garden when preparing the soil or used to side dress established plants.

Kelp is also loaded with natural plant growth hormones, as well as trace elements and minerals. It is a common ingredient in many homemade and commercially produced garden fertilizers, but it can be purchased in large bags and used on its own. I often apply a quick fix of kelp meal at the first sign of yellow foliage. The iron, copper and molybdenum help correct the balance and the plant greens up immediately. This is especially helpful for rhododendrons, camellias and roses.

In the garden, apply at the recommended rate, tilling it into the top 5 cm (2 in.) of soil and watering it in. Kelp meal is available at garden centres and feed stores.