Kelp Meal: Australia’s Ocean-Powered Fertiliser (2025 Guide)

TL;DR – Certified-organic kelp meal packs 80+ minerals, natural growth hormones and a buffet of trace elements that super-charge microbes, boost root growth and toughen plants against drought, frost and pests. Use ½ cup per 30 L of soil (or 1 cup / m²), scratch it in, water well and watch your patch explode with life.

What Exactly Is Kelp Meal?

Kelp meal is nothing more than sun-dried, milled ocean seaweed—nature’s multivitamin for soil. Because kelp grows in turbulent, mineral-rich currents, it hoards potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and a laundry list of trace elements other plants never get to taste. Once dried and ground it becomes a slow-release powerhouse that feeds soil biology for months.

Why that matters: healthy soil biology = healthier roots = bigger, tastier harvests. Simple maths.

9 Science-Backed Benefits of Kelp Meal

  1. Micronutrient jackpot – Over 80 minerals & trace elements fill gaps typical N-P-K fertilisers miss.

  2. Natural hormones – Cytokinins, auxins and gibberellins fire up cell division, giving seedlings a leg-up.

  3. Soil structure upgrade – The meal’s organic carbon encourages crumbly, aerated soil that drains beautifully yet stays moist.

  4. Microbe magnet – Acts like a buffet line for beneficial bacteria and fungi; earthworms move in for the feast.

  5. Stress armour – Seaweed’s betaines help plants ride out heatwaves, cold snaps and transplant shock.

  6. Improved flavour & nutrient density – More minerals in the soil means more minerals on your plate.

  7. Sustainable & renewable – Harvested under strict quotas; zero synthetic inputs.

  8. Pet- and kid-safe – No nasty residues.

  9. Cost-effective – A single 2.5 kg bag treats roughly 25 m² of garden beds.

Ready to try it? Grab a bag of Certified Organic Kelp Meal and follow the pro tips below.

Meal vs Liquid vs Powder – Which Should You Use?

Form

Best For

Pros

Cons

Meal (slow-release)

Veggie beds, lawns, fruit trees

Improves soil long-term; one application per season

Needs light incorporation

Liquid extracts

Fast rescue of stressed plants; foliar sprays

Instant uptake; pairs nicely with fish hydrolysate

Must re-apply every 2–3 weeks

Water Soluble

Hydroponics, fertigation

Fully dissolves; measurable

Higher cost per gram

For speedy green-ups, many Aussie growers team our meal with Ocean Grown Fish Hydrolysate—fish provides aminos, kelp supplies hormones. Match made in soil heaven.

How & When to Apply Kelp Meal

Situation

Rate

Timing

Pro Tip

New garden beds

1 cup / m²

Before planting

Mix into top 10 cm of soil

Potting mix

½ cup / 30 L

At blend-up

Great in DIY SuperSoil recipes

Established beds

½ cup / m²

Early spring & mid-summer

Scratch in lightly; water deeply

Compost boost

1 handful per 20 L bucket

At each turn

Speeds decomposition

 

Liquid Kelp Tea (lazy method):

  1. Add 2 tbsp kelp meal to 10 L bucket.

  2. Fill with rainwater, aerate or stir daily for 3 days.

  3. Strain and drench soil or foliar-spray 1:1 with water.

Want next-level results? Spike the brew with 10 ml / L of Deep Sea Sugar & Kelp for an extra chitin hit that fires up systemic resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is kelp meal safe for pets?

Yes. It’s organic-grade seaweed with zero synthetic chemicals.

Q. Can I over-apply?

It’s hard, but anything in excess can unbalance soil. Stick to the rates above.

Q. Does it alter pH?

Not significantly—kelp meal is close to neutral and buffered by organic matter.

Q. Is it OK for natives?

Absolutely; just halve the rate for phosphorous-sensitive species like banksias.

Q. How long does it last in the soil?

Roughly 3–4 months before fully broken down, depending on microbe activity.

Shop the Range & Get Growing

Add them to your cart, follow the rates above and let the ocean power your patch!

About the Author

Scott Cheney - Dr Greenthumbs
Scott Cheney is the Director and Founder of Dr Greenthumbs, with over a decade of hands-on experience in organic gardening. Growing up in rural NSW, Scott’s passion for unusual plants – from cacti to entheogens – evolved into a full-blown commitment to chemical-free gardening when he bought his first property in Wollongong. For the past 8 years running Dr Greenthumbs, Scott has developed unique, first-to-market products like TurboDirt Water Only soil and 100% dry amendment fertiliser blends. When he’s not testing new mixes, you’ll find him swapping gardening tips like your local mate, not giving the hard sell.