Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen1%
Provides 1% nitrogen — minimal but supplemented by over 60 trace minerals and natural plant growth hormones.
P · Phosphorus0%
Negligible phosphorus content, but kelp meal improves overall nutrient uptake efficiency through growth hormone activity.
K · Potassium2%
Delivers 2% potassium for stress tolerance, disease resistance, and improved drought hardiness. Also provides natural cytokinins and auxins.
Derived from: Dried and ground North Atlantic seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum)
Overview
What It Is
Kelp meal is made from brown seaweed (primarily Ascophyllum nodosum) harvested from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Atlantic. The seaweed is dried and milled into a granular meal that can be applied directly to soil or mixed into compost and potting mixes.
Kelp grows at extraordinary rates — sometimes up to 3 feet per day — by absorbing a vast array of dissolved ocean minerals through its cell walls. This natural filtration process concentrates over 60 trace minerals including iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and boron, along with natural plant growth hormones (cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins) that promote healthy growth.
As a slow-release amendment, kelp meal breaks down over 4-6 months, steadily feeding soil microbes and releasing its mineral payload. It is especially valued in organic systems for addressing micronutrient deficiencies that are difficult to diagnose but can significantly limit crop performance.
Crop Fit
Best For
All VegetablesTomatoesPeppersHerbsFlowersFruit TreesLawnsBerries
Virtually all plants benefit from kelp meal’s trace mineral and growth hormone content. Tomatoes and peppers see improved fruit set and stress tolerance. Herbs produce more aromatic oils. Flowers bloom more abundantly. Fruit trees and berries show improved cold hardiness and disease resistance. Lawns become more drought-tolerant and resilient.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft |
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| Lawn | 7-14 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
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| Trees & shrubs | 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter as top dressing |
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| Containers | 1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil |
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| Frequency | 1-2 times per season, or monthly for heavy feeders |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Application Rate
Calculate rate — 1–2 lbs per 100 sq ft for gardens. Kelp meal provides potassium plus trace minerals and growth hormones.
2Broadcast
Broadcast evenly over the garden bed for uniform distribution of nutrients and trace elements.
3Incorporate
Work into the top 3–4 inches of soil to place nutrients near the active root zone.
4Water In
Water thoroughly after application to begin releasing nutrients and beneficial compounds.
5Foliar Option
For foliar spray, use liquid kelp extract diluted per label directions for rapid micronutrient uptake.
6Frequency
Apply 1–2 times per season for most crops, or monthly for heavy feeders and high-value crops.
For garden beds, broadcast 1-2 lbs per 100 sq ft and work into the top 3-4 inches. For transplants, add 1-2 teaspoons per planting hole. For containers, add 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil. For trees, apply 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter as a top dressing. For foliar feeding, use liquid kelp extract diluted per label directions and spray in early morning or evening. Apply early in the season before transplanting and again before flowering for maximum benefit.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Kelp meal is completely non-toxic and safe for all garden applications. No protective equipment needed beyond a dust mask for the dry powder. Store in a cool, dry location in a sealed bag. Has a mild ocean scent that dissipates after watering in.
Seasonal Notes
Apply kelp meal in early spring to support new growth and stress tolerance. A second application before flowering enhances bloom and fruit production. For lawns, apply in spring and fall. Kelp meal is especially valuable before frost season — the growth hormones help plants build cold tolerance.
In Context
How It Compares
Kelp meal vs. Fish Emulsion: Fish emulsion (5-1-1) provides more nitrogen but kelp meal delivers far more trace minerals and growth hormones. Use both for a complete ocean-based fertility program. Kelp meal vs. Greensand: Both provide potassium and trace minerals, but kelp meal includes growth hormones and amino acids that greensand lacks. Greensand is better for long-term soil structure improvement.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kelp meal fertilizer?
Kelp meal is a natural, organic soil amendment made from dried and ground seaweed, typically harvested from cold ocean waters. While low in primary NPK nutrients (approximately 1-0-2), kelp meal is valued for its rich content of plant growth hormones (cytokinins and auxins), micronutrients, amino acids, and natural chelating agents. These compounds stimulate root growth, improve stress tolerance, and enhance overall plant vigor beyond what NPK nutrients alone can provide. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal is a premium biostimulant and organic soil conditioner for gardens, farms, and landscapes.
What are the benefits of kelp meal for plants?
Kelp meal provides multiple benefits that go beyond simple nutrition. Natural plant growth hormones stimulate root development, cell division, and stress recovery. Over 60 trace minerals support enzyme function and nutrient uptake. Alginic acid improves soil structure and water retention. Natural chelating agents make existing soil nutrients more available to plants. Kelp meal also enhances seed germination, transplant success, and the plant's ability to withstand drought, heat, cold, and disease pressure. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal delivers these comprehensive biostimulant benefits from a single natural ocean-harvested source.
How do I use kelp meal in my garden?
Apply kelp meal by broadcasting 1–2 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top few inches of soil before planting. For individual plants, add 1–2 tablespoons to each planting hole. For established beds, top-dress with 1 pound per 100 square feet and water in. Kelp meal can also be added to compost piles, potting mixes, and seed-starting blends. It works year-round and cannot burn plants. For best results, combine kelp meal with a balanced fertilizer for complete nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal is easy to apply in any garden setting.
What is the NPK of kelp meal?
Kelp meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 1-0-2, meaning it provides minimal primary nutrients compared to traditional fertilizers. However, kelp meal's value lies not in its NPK content but in its rich supply of plant growth hormones, 60+ trace minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and natural chelating agents. These compounds improve plant health, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake in ways that NPK fertilizers alone cannot. Think of kelp meal as a biostimulant and mineral supplement rather than a primary fertilizer. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal complements any fertilizer program with powerful natural growth-enhancing compounds.
Can I use kelp meal with other fertilizers?
Yes, kelp meal works best when combined with a primary NPK fertilizer. It enhances the effectiveness of both organic and synthetic fertilizers by improving nutrient uptake through natural chelating agents and by stimulating root growth that expands the plant's nutrient-absorbing capacity. Pair kelp meal with any Wicked Growth or Wicked Organics fertilizer for a comprehensive feeding program that delivers both primary nutrition and biostimulant benefits. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal is the perfect complement to any balanced fertilizer for maximum plant performance.
Is kelp meal good for tomatoes?
Kelp meal is excellent for tomatoes as a supplement alongside a balanced fertilizer. The natural growth hormones in kelp stimulate stronger root development, better flower set, and improved fruit quality. The trace minerals support essential enzyme processes within the plant. Kelp's stress-tolerance benefits help tomatoes handle heat, drought, and disease pressure during the critical fruiting period. Mix 1–2 tablespoons into each planting hole and top-dress monthly during the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal gives tomatoes a natural growth advantage beyond what fertilizer alone provides.
Does kelp meal improve soil health?
Yes, kelp meal significantly improves soil health. The alginic acid in kelp increases soil water-holding capacity and improves soil structure. The organic matter feeds beneficial soil microorganisms, boosting biological activity in the root zone. Trace minerals replenish elements that become depleted through intensive cropping. Over time, regular kelp meal applications build a more biologically active, mineral-rich soil that produces healthier, more productive plants naturally. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Kelp Meal is a powerful organic soil builder that enhances both soil biology and mineral content with every application.
