Seaweed, all info appreciated

[Lisasbolt]

Not sure where to put this, sorry.

I have been growing in raised beds this year and the plants have enjoyed new compost etc, i have not had to feed or do anything really. I have space to add in a top layer or 2 of good rotted down compost but i know it won't be as rich as this year and i do not want to fill them too much.
The beds are also in use pretty much year round.
I live not to far from the coast and one beach in particular has masses of seaweed,, i keep hearing about liquid seaweed feed but i do not know anything about it. Can i just bag some up and put in a bin with water and then use that to enhance and feed my plants? Can i just add the seaweed direct to the beds? like i said i do not know anything about it but it seems silly not to use any as i have it free. If i can?

Thanks for any info in advance

[Nicos]

I've used it a couple of tines in it's raw state....then went over to liquid feed just because it was easier than going to the beach etc...

Yes- you do need to wash the salt off first- and I think you then apply it onto/into the soil to rot down.
I only used it on my asparagus beds more as a winter mulch.

What you do need to be careful about is which beach you get it from . Some beaches are protected....not so sure about Spanish beaches though?????

[Thelma Sanders]

At Heligan they just put it straight on the beds, seaweed, sand and salt.

BBC Two - Natural World, 2011-2012, Heligan: Secrets of the Lost Gardens, Gathering seaweed

Apparently it deters slugs as well

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/gardening...eep-61786.aspx

[BUFFS]

I don't wash the seaweed, I use it in the tattie tubs, 2ins of soil, 3ins of seaweed, place 3 tatties evenly on surface(as far from each other as feasible) and 3ins of soil and water them in and just top up the soil as req. you will get the taste of jersey/Ayrshire tatties as they are grown this way and they are lovely. I also use it on raised beds not growing carrots etc next year..

[Lisasbolt]

Thank you all for the info. I am going to try and put it straight into the beds hopefully it will help with water retention and these bloody snails.

[janzbro]

I live near the coast as well and often take the dogs for a walk on the beach and there is always plenty washed up. I was a bit unsure that the salt would kill off the veg, but you have put my mind at ease and we also have millions of snail / slugs so it sounds like a winner

[Jonnyt]

I just bung it on the beds. Works a treat, no need to worry about salt at all, just means you need less on your chips

[Potstubsdustbins]

I would check about where you intend to harvest from it is banned on some Spanish beaches to protect the habitat.

[janzbro]

surely washed up seaweed is fine

[Lisasbolt]

I am sure it is fine, they send great big tractors clearing it all the time as it is a tourist beach. well just down from there.
Thanks for all the replies. Day out to the beach on Friday.

[Bigmallly]

Chat up the tractor driver, see if he'll leave you a pile somewhere...........................he may even drop you some off for a few Euros............My motto is " You've nowt to lose by asking"

[Lisasbolt]

Chat up the tractor driver, see if he'll leave you a pile somewhere...........................he may even drop you some off for a few Euros............My motto is " You've nowt to lose by asking"

Its almost a hours drive by car so don´t think he would. The boys will love it playing around and making me throw the ball in-between scooping I have to go down that way anyway and must nip in the garden centre it would be rude not too. Its forecast to be a lovely week with sunny skies and 24degrees so playing on the beach will be fun

[Bigmallly]

Shutupp......................

[Potstubsdustbins]

#9 I don't know that is why I suggested checking. Better safe than sorry.

[BUFFS]

I would check about where you intend to harvest from it is banned on some Spanish beaches to protect the habitat.

is that habitat or hacienda..eh senora ?