Sea weed as mulch?

[Oscgrr]

I live on the shore, a half mile walk to the beach. I've heard of some folks using sea weed as mulch in their gardens. Supposedly, it keeps the weed at bay (no pun intended). Has any one here tried that? Is salt an issue or does a good rinsing with the hose solve that?

 

[Reinbeau]

I live on the shore, a half mile walk to the beach. I've heard of some folks using sea weed as mulch in their gardens. Supposedly, it keeps the weed at bay (no pun intended). Has any one here tried that? Is salt an issue or does a good rinsing with the hose solve that?

Yes, a good rinse takes care of the salt. If you are fortunate enough to be able to gather enough seaweed, go for it! Not only will it work as a mulch, but as it breaks down it will enrich your soil.

 

[hoodat]

Sea water contains every element on earth so seaweed is a storehouse of trace minerals. There are also enzyms and hormones that have been found beneficial to soil organisms and thus to the plants that grow in that soil. The salt is hard to wash off dry seaweed but comes off easily if the weed is still relatively fresh. If you have frequent rains just lay it out somewhere other than on the garden before the rain and let nature take care of it. The washed seaweed can then be composted or used as mulch.

 

[Oscgrr]

Thanks for the responses. The beach is covered with the stuff. I was concerned about the salt level and whether or not it would wash off. I'll put a pile in the driveway and leave it through a couople of rains.

Thanks again.

 

[vfem]

Very lucky you to have access! Great advice too... you're going to have a stellar garden this year.