Fertilizers come in many varieties for many different uses, but the optimum performance and eco-friendly use in an organic garden, seaweed fertilizers made from kelp rank as one of the best. In vegetable gardens, they afford the soil with additional natural benefits that chemical fertilizers do not.
Reference: Benefits of Kelp Meal

Since vegetables are meant to be consumed, their growth and cultivation must stay as close to a natural organic process as possible. However, thought must be given to how well they are cultivated to gain as much benefit from growth potential as possible. Again, seaweed fertilizer answers this dilemma.

Offering the organic garden, an array of naturally occurring nutrients provides added amino acids and trace elements that benefit nutrients as the seaweed decomposes in the supportive soil.

As the seaweed breaks down, the soil becomes more robust and richer, which, in turn, offers the growing plants a healthier root area in which to grow. Less restrictive root systems ensure a larger, more bountiful fruit or vegetable for picking. As the kelp breaks down, the sea-rich nutrients are then dispersed throughout the soil and absorbed through the plant's root system as the plant grows and feeds.

Seaweed fertilizers come in many different choices for convenient application. While some seaweed can be collected and applied directly, some suggest soaking the leaves in water for 48 hours prior to application, rinsing, and changing the water often. Naturally harvested seaweed from the ocean can contain salt, causing garden-friendly worms to turn away, so rinsing is suggested.

Commercially prepared seaweed fertilizers are ideal for those who cannot quickly gather or prepare it on their own due to location or time constraints. They are readily available online or at most local plant nurseries or home stores.

Applying the seaweed fertilizer can be done in any number of ways per type of product purchased. As a tea in a bag, the seaweed fertilizer can be steeped and then applied by the bottle as a foliar spray on the plant itself, soaking the leaves and stems according to plant needs. The same can be applied by simply pouring the solution directly into the soil around the plant base.

Seaweed fertilizer may also be applied during soil preparation prior to planting. Introducing large pieces into the soil before planting makes for a healthy start to your organic vegetable garden.

Author's Bio: 

An observer of organic farming, Focus on Bio-solution for sustainable agriculture.