Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Green Sand

NPK 0-0-3

Greensand is one of the few certified organic sources of potassium — the third essential macronutrient that plants need for water regulation, disease resistance, winter hardiness, and overall vigor. Mined from ancient ocean floor deposits, greensand is composed primarily of the iron-rich mineral glauconite, which releases potassium and over 30 trace minerals slowly over multiple growing seasons.

But greensand is much more than a potassium source. Its unique mineral structure absorbs up to one-third its weight in water, dramatically improving moisture retention in sandy soils. It also helps loosen heavy clay soils, improving drainage and aeration. This dual ability to improve both water-holding and drainage makes greensand one of the most versatile soil conditioners available.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is OMRI-listed for certified organic production. It’s completely non-toxic, impossible to over-apply, and safe for vegetables, fruits, herbs, ornamentals, lawns, and all types of trees and shrubs.

Application Rates FAQs
Nutrient Profile
WO-GREENSAND
0–0–3
Green Sand
Derived From
  • Naturally occurring marine sedimentary deposits of the mineral glauconite
0-0-3
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
Annually or every 1-2 years based on soil test
Feeding Frequency
—
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 0-0-3

Greensand (glauconite) is a naturally occurring mineral formed millions of years ago on ancient ocean floors. Over geological time, layers of marine sediment rich in iron, potassium, and silicates compacted into a soft, crumbly rock that gets its distinctive green color from its iron-potassium silicate composition.

As a fertilizer, greensand has an NPK of 0-0-3, making it a slow-release potassium source. However, it also contains iron, magnesium, silica, and over 30 trace minerals in naturally chelated forms that plants can use efficiently. The minerals release gradually as soil chemistry and microbial activity break down the glauconite particles.

Greensand’s physical properties are equally valuable: its ability to absorb moisture and improve soil structure makes it a permanent soil improvement. Unlike compost or organic matter that decomposes over time, greensand’s mineral structure persists in soil indefinitely.

N
Nitrogen — 0%

N/A — Greensand contains no nitrogen.

P
Phosphorus — 0%

N/A — Greensand contains no phosphorus.

K
Potassium — 3%

Provides 3% slow-release potassium from the mineral glauconite, along with iron, magnesium, silica, and over 30 trace minerals.

Recommended Plants

Best For

All Vegetables
Fruit Trees
Herbs
Lawns
Tomatoes
Roses
Berries
Ornamentals

Growing Detail

Greensand benefits virtually all plants through its potassium, trace minerals, and soil conditioning properties. Tomatoes and peppers use potassium for fruit quality and disease resistance. Fruit trees and berries benefit from improved winter hardiness. Roses produce stronger stems and more vibrant color. Lawns become more drought-tolerant. Any soil — sandy or clay — improves with greensand.
Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
5-10 lbs per 100 sq ft
Container / Pot
1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil
Water Mix
N/A — Greensand is not water-soluble
Lawn
44-50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
1-2 lbs per inch of trunk diameter
Per Acre
500-2,000 lbs per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

Apply greensand in early spring as part of bed preparation or in fall before winter. Its slow-release nature means timing is less critical than with soluble fertilizers. For clay soils, fall application allows freeze-thaw cycles to help work greensand into the soil structure over winter.
How It Compares

Side by Side

Greensand vs. Sul-Po-Mag: Sul-Po-Mag (0-0-22) provides much more concentrated potassium for quick corrections, along with magnesium and sulfur. Greensand (0-0-3) releases potassium slowly and provides superior soil conditioning. Use Sul-Po-Mag for immediate potassium needs; greensand for long-term soil building. Greensand vs. Kelp Meal: Both provide potassium and trace minerals, but kelp meal also contains growth hormones and amino acids. Greensand provides better physical soil conditioning.

Safety & Storage

Greensand is completely safe to handle — no gloves, mask, or protective equipment needed. It is non-toxic to children, pets, and wildlife. Store in a dry location to prevent clumping. Bags are heavy — plan accordingly for transport.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • Greensand is a natural mineral soil amendment mined from ancient ocean floor deposits rich in the mineral glauconite. It contains approximately 3–5% potassium along with iron, silica, magnesium, and over 30 trace minerals. Greensand is valued as a slow-release potassium source, soil conditioner, and mineral supplement that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability over time. It is OMRI-Listed for organic production and has been used by farmers and gardeners for centuries. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is a premium-grade organic mineral amendment for building healthier, more productive soil.
  • Greensand serves multiple roles in the garden. As a potassium source, it slowly releases K₂O for plant uptake over months to years. As a soil conditioner, it loosens heavy clay soils and improves water retention in sandy soils. As a mineral supplement, it provides iron, silica, magnesium, and dozens of trace elements that support plant health. It is especially popular in organic gardens for long-term soil building, and it is safe to use at any time without risk of burn. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand provides multi-function soil improvement from a single natural mineral source.
  • Apply greensand by broadcasting 5–10 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top 4–6 inches of soil. For individual planting holes, add 1–2 tablespoons. For established beds, top-dress with 2–5 pounds per 100 square feet and water in. Greensand can be applied at any time of year and cannot burn plants even at heavy rates. For long-term soil building, apply annually and the benefits compound over time as minerals become increasingly available. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is easy to spread and safe at any application rate.
  • Yes, greensand contains approximately 3–5% potassium (K₂O), which releases very slowly as the glauconite mineral weathers and breaks down in soil. This slow release means greensand is not a quick-fix potassium source — it is best viewed as a long-term soil builder that gradually improves potassium availability over months to years. For immediate potassium needs, use muriate of potash (0-0-60) or sulfate of potash. Greensand excels as a sustained mineral supplement that builds potassium reserves. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand provides gentle, long-lasting potassium along with dozens of trace minerals.
  • Yes, greensand is excellent for improving clay soil. The angular mineral particles help break up compacted clay, improving drainage, aeration, and root penetration. Over time, regular greensand applications create a more crumbly, workable soil structure. The mineral content also enhances nutrient availability in clay soils, which often lock up nutrients in forms plants cannot access. Apply 10–15 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporate deeply for maximum soil-loosening benefit. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is one of the best natural amendments for transforming heavy clay into productive garden soil.
  • Greensand contains over 30 trace minerals including iron, silica, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, cobalt, boron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum. These micronutrients play essential roles in plant enzyme function, chlorophyll production, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake efficiency. Many garden soils become depleted of trace minerals over years of cropping, leading to subtle deficiencies that reduce plant health and yield. Regular greensand application replenishes this broad mineral spectrum naturally. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is one of the most mineral-diverse soil amendments available for organic gardens.
  • Greensand is one of the safest soil amendments available — it cannot burn plants and there is no practical upper limit on application rates for garden use. Even heavy applications will not cause nutrient toxicity because the minerals release so slowly. Typical rates of 5–15 pounds per 100 square feet are effective for most garden applications. Higher rates simply accelerate the long-term soil-building effect. The only consideration is cost-effectiveness, as very heavy rates provide diminishing returns per pound. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Greensand is forgiving and safe for gardeners of all experience levels.

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