Wicked Organics Organic Organic OMRI Listed

Tea Seed Meal

NPK N/A

Tea Seed Meal is the residue of tea seeds after camellia oil extraction and contains high amounts of natural saponin compounds. This granulated crumb product dissolves slowly after rainfall or irrigation, with subsequent watering continuing to activate the granule and move the saponin ingredient deeper into the soil profile. With 15-18% saponin content and over 50% organic matter, Tea Seed Meal is a unique soil amendment that serves as both a natural soil conditioner and an organic matter source. It is not a traditional NPK fertilizer — its value comes from its high saponin concentration and organic matter content that improve soil biology and structure.

Application Rates FAQs
Nutrient Profile
WO-TEA-SEED
N/A
Tea Seed Meal
Derived From
  • Tea seed meal — residue of tea seeds after camellia oil extraction
N/A
NPK Ratio
Organic
Formula Type
As needed per soil condition
Feeding Frequency
—
Compatible Plants
What It Is

Understanding 0-0-0

Tea Seed Meal is the pressed seed cake remaining after camellia oil (tea oil) is extracted from tea seeds. Unlike most fertilizer amendments that are valued for their NPK content, tea seed meal is prized primarily for its high natural saponin concentration (15-18%). Saponins are naturally occurring plant compounds that act as soil conditioners.

The product arrives as a granulated crumb that dissolves slowly with moisture. This slow-dissolution characteristic means the saponins are released gradually into the soil profile over multiple watering or rainfall events, providing sustained activity rather than a single burst.

N
Nitrogen — 0%

N/A — not a primary nitrogen source

P
Phosphorus — 0%

N/A — not a primary phosphorus source

K
Potassium — 0%

N/A — not a primary potassium source

Recommended Plants

Best For

Lawns
Gardens
Organic Beds
Composting
Landscape Beds

Growing Detail

Tea Seed Meal is versatile across garden applications. Lawns benefit from the saponin content and organic matter addition. Garden beds and organic beds gain improved soil biology and structure. It can be incorporated into compost blends to boost organic matter content. Landscape beds benefit from the slow-dissolving granules that continue working with each rain or irrigation event.
Dosing Guide

Application Rates

Garden Beds
6-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Container / Pot
N/A — broadcast application
Water Mix
N/A — granular, dissolves with irrigation/rain
Lawn
6-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
Trees
1-2 lbs per inch of trunk diameter, broadcast around drip line
Per Acre
260-520 lbs per acre
Frequency
Every 2-4 weeks

How to Apply

Seasonal Notes

Can be applied any time during the growing season when soil is not frozen. Best results when followed by irrigation or natural rainfall to begin dissolving the granules. Multiple rain events after application continue activating the product deeper into the soil profile.
How It Compares

Side by Side

Tea Seed Meal is unique in the Wicked Organics lineup — it's not valued for NPK content but for its 15-18% saponin concentration and 50%+ organic matter. No other product in the line provides this combination of natural saponin compounds and organic matter in a slow-dissolving granular format.

Safety & Storage

Store in a dry environment. Natural product with no known hazards. Wear gloves if skin sensitivities appear. Wash hands after use.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked

  • Tea seed meal is a natural, organic soil amendment made from the pressed seeds of the Camellia oleifera tea plant after oil extraction. It contains natural saponins — soap-like compounds that act as a natural pest deterrent — along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Tea seed meal is valued for its dual function as both an organic fertilizer and a natural pest management tool, particularly effective against soil-dwelling pests like grubs, slugs, snails, and earthworm castings on lawns. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal is a premium organic amendment for lawns, gardens, and landscapes.
  • Tea seed meal provides dual benefits for lawns. As a fertilizer, it supplies slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy turf growth. As a natural pest deterrent, the saponins in tea seed meal drive soil-dwelling pests to the surface where they can be collected or where they desiccate. It is especially popular for reducing earthworm castings (mounds) on fine turf, managing grubs, and controlling slugs and snails. Apply 4–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet and water in thoroughly. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal is a natural alternative to synthetic lawn pest treatments.
  • Yes, tea seed meal is one of the most effective natural solutions for reducing earthworm castings on lawns. The saponins in tea seed meal irritate earthworms, driving them deeper into the soil and significantly reducing the surface casting mounds that can make fine lawns bumpy and unsightly. It does not kill earthworms — it simply encourages them to move deeper where their activity still benefits soil health without affecting surface appearance. Apply 5–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet and water in. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal manages earthworm castings naturally without harming beneficial soil biology.
  • Apply tea seed meal by broadcasting 4–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet for lawns, or 2–4 pounds per 100 square feet for garden beds. Water thoroughly immediately after application to activate the saponins and begin nutrient release. For pest control purposes, apply in the morning and water in — soil-dwelling pests will emerge to the surface within hours. For purely nutritional purposes, incorporate into garden soil before planting. Reapply every 4–8 weeks during the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal is easy to broadcast with a spreader or by hand.
  • Tea seed meal is a natural, plant-derived product that is safe for use around gardens, pets, and children when used as directed. The saponins are biodegradable and break down naturally in soil within days. However, saponins can be harmful to fish and aquatic organisms, so avoid applying near ponds, streams, or water features. Keep pets off treated lawn areas until the product is watered in and the surface has dried. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal is an organic, natural product that is safer than synthetic chemical pest treatments.
  • Tea seed meal's saponins are effective against slugs and snails. When the product is watered in, the saponins dissolve into the soil surface where slugs and snails travel, irritating their soft bodies and deterring them from treated areas. Heavy applications can be lethal to slugs and snails on contact. For best slug and snail control, apply in the evening when these pests are most active and water lightly to activate the saponins without washing them away. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal provides natural, organic slug and snail management for gardens and landscapes.
  • Tea seed meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 1-1-2, providing modest levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. While the NPK values are lower than primary fertilizers, tea seed meal's real value lies in its saponin content for natural pest management, its organic matter contribution to soil health, and its slow-release nutrient delivery. For best results, use tea seed meal in combination with a higher-NPK organic fertilizer. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Tea Seed Meal is best used as a dual-purpose soil amendment — part fertilizer, part natural pest deterrent — alongside a primary fertilizer program.

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