As long as humans have planted and harvested, fertilizer has played a role in agricultural production. In the search for ways to improve the quality and quantity of the crop, countless types of fertilizers have been tried. Some have been more successful than others. As strange as it may seem, seaweed fertilizer is among the most valued ways to improve soil quality.

Seaweed fertilizer has been in use in coastal regions throughout the world for hundreds of years. In England, in the Channel Islands, there is actually a trade specifically dedicated to harvesting and drying seaweed. It is subsequently used for various purposes including soil fertilization.

Seaweed was also popular as a fertilizer in Ireland. Farmers would lift the soil in rows, lay down seaweed and then replace the soil. It's lost some of its popularity today, but it was commonly used for growing potatoes back then. Even today, the coastal industries of Ireland harvest huge quantities of seaweed and kelp.

Seaweed is a remarkably effective way to improve the soil quality of a garden. The reason behind this is that the large bodies of water that are home to seaweed contain every element known to mankind. Seaweed absorbs these elements and passes them along to the soil when you add it to your garden.

Seaweed fertilizers are a popular choice among conscientious gardeners. This is because it's an all-natural plant based product which can be added to the soil along with other organic kinds of fertilizer. It doesn't carry the stigma of many of the commercial products that are full of chemicals. These products frequently contain dubious ingredients. And the manufacturing process is associated with high levels of pollution.

Similar to mulch, you can put seaweed fertilizer right on top of the soil. Lay it in between and around your plants. It tends to break down quite quickly.

It can also be added to your compost bin. It will add nutrients and help to break down the other ingredients in the mix. You can also make it into a tea, either using the liquid or powder forms. You then mist this concoction onto the leaves to provide another source of nutrients.

The history of seaweed as a fertilizer goes back countless years, everywhere throughout the globe. If you live near the sea, you might be lucky enough to pick it up on a nearby beach. However, taking a trip to a nearby nursery is an option for just about everyone. Ask for kelp meal or other types of seaweed fertilizers. And while you're there, ask them to give you some tips on how to add it to your garden to give it new life.