Spring is here, so good time to so spruce up the garden.
I picked up 2 bottles, 2L of this is a similar price of 1L of Seasol. Coverage is similar also.
Is it as good as Seasol? Like a lot of Fertilisers, it's difficult to prove one brand is better than another. Aldi uses Seaweed from Tassie, Seasol uses Seaweed from Tassie/North Atlantic.
PS- While stocks last.
Yeah, that's why it's difficult to prove one brand is superior to another.
Aldi recommend diluting 25ml per 9L, Seasol recommends 20ml-90ml per 9L depending on application.
But I usually put in extra when I can be bothered fertilising, good thing about seaweed solution is the reduced risk of over fertilising.
btw, seasol isn't a fertilizer.. its a "plant tonic" .
ie no NPK unless you combine it with powerfeed.
You may be right, but "plant tonic" will confuse the average Ozbargainer.
I've decided to keep Fertiliser in the title as most people will deem something that is good for plants/garden as Fertiliser. It's also sold in the Fertiliser section of Bunnings.
But good to know, seems I can combine seaweed solution and fertiliser. Will hit Bunnings for some fertiliser.
@JB1:
As a former landscaper who has used both brands (still do) I can confirm this isn't as potent (concentrated) as Seasol, there's nothing wrong with the Aldi brand but I find you need to be a little heavier handed with it to get the same results.
Nowadays I have a 10L Seasol and no longer in landscaping, the stuff just lasts forever. I use my Aldi bottles for carrying smaller amounts of that around.
Nothing wrong with the Aldi product, it's just not as strong (weaker smell, thinner viscosity) but it'll still do the job.
As for the fertilizer comment, yeah 99/100 people believe this stuff is fertilizer. At the end of the day it's still helping the plant so whatever makes them feel better I say.
Thanks for your expertise. I have a question, if you don't mind answering.
I've just planted a new garden, can you recommend a good fertilizer to use in conjunction with the seaweed solution?
As I the garden has mulch I don't want to disturb, that rules out fertiliser I have to dig into the ground, so preferably Liquid and/or slow release granules.
I was just reading up on Fertiliser after Smitty's comments, so was thinking about Powerfeed. I was one of the 99!
@JB1:
can you recommend a good fertilizer to use in conjunction with the seaweed solution?
that depends on the kinds of plants you are feeding…
@JB1:
probably something like
http://www.bunnings.com.au/powerfeed-1l-concentrate-for-nati…
Your natives won't like general fertilizer…
@jv:
Thanks jv, never knew some much about fertiliser until today :D
Interestingly there is no information about Powerfeed for Natives on the Seasol Website, it's like it doesn't exist anywhere on the web but Bunnings!
I'll pick up Powerfeed for Natives, and some normal Powerfeed for the rest.
@JB1: Hi JB1. Generally speaking native plants have adapted to naturally low phosphate levels in Australian soils, some more so than others, such as members of the proteaceae family (grevilleas, callistemons, hakeas etc.)
Consequently fertilisers for natives have a typically low P in the NPK ratio. You may want to use granules if you don't want to disturb the soil, however if you can dig some soil ameliorant in there with fertiliser to improve soil conditions (manure, blood and bone etc.) you just need to be aware of the NPK.
Often good mulching gets a great result and never use weed mat or any material that forms a barrier for moisture to get in.
Hope this helps.
@Click_It: How on earth did you measure the "potency"? The smell and "viscosity" might be a giveaway but it also may not. The only valid test would be a chemical analysis. Seasol etc don't feed plants but they do promote root growth and "plant health" so for many/most plants you also need fertiliser of an appropriate type.
Thanks cornbeef, great guess, I have both grevilleas and callistemons in my garden.
I'll be honest, apart from the fact I don't want to disturb my mulch, I'm lazy. Well too lazy to take out all the mulch to dig in manure, blood and bone etc. That's why I prefer liquids or granules.
Can you just throw granules on top of the mulch and hose it down or do I need it to remove the mulch/work it into the soil?
I've also learnt a new word today- ameliorant.
@JB1: You can throw it on top and water it in.
Otherwise rake or pull back by hand a bit of the mulch around the drip line and spread it a bit closer to the soil, where a lot of the action is happening as materials breakdown, and then you can easily rake it back into place. Your call.
Amelioration is best done at the outset and it's always great to find a new word. Good luck.
@JB1:
Sorry didn't check back for replies…
Looks like you got many responses, but I'll throw in my 2 cents too.
Since you mentioned natives like grevilleas, you certainly want a low phosphate fertiliser. Fertiliser is broken up into 3 categories. NPK, it's the "P" you need to concern yourself with. Native fertilisers should be under 1 to be safe. Too high and they'll die in weeks.
Osmocote slow release is fine, should feed for 6-9 months (breaks down slowly, heat activated)
Bunnings prices: http://s10.postimg.org/qgtgvb9wp/osmocote_native.jpg
Blood and bone is okay (don't be too heavy with it) or just stick with the osmocote if you prefer. To be honest, grevellias are pretty happy without ANY help, but a little love will get some reward. Damn I sound like Don Burke now :/
Cornbeef is on the money, mulching is about the best thing you can do for your plants. (I mix the fert below the mulch, close to the soil and rake back over but either is fine)
Grevellias are drought resistant plants, too much watering will literally kill them so the mulch serves as a double purpose.
You got me, I haven't "measured" anything so I shall withdraw the potency claim. The smell and "viscosity" (I couldn't think of a better word and had just serviced my car) is the only thing I go by. I'd like the say the results vary but it's really too hard to tell. Call it a gut feeling, I reckon the seasol is slightly better but I have no evidence of this.
At the end of the day, in the business I needed more than 1L bottles, and 10L (or 20?) that I have worked out cheaper over the long run. Just happened to be Seasol brand.
Again, as I said either brand will work fine :)
But where does Aldi dump the plastic used to make these bottles?
I guess at least they're replacing the seaweed they take with something.
I think that's up to the consumer.
I've found the best option is to buy a powdered concentrate called Eco-cweed.. They sell it at bunnings/masters.. It's a little more expensive for a tub (small or large).. But makes hundreds of litres and my plants look great! http://www.soilsolver.com.au/inc/sdetail/97/118
Given the Aldi one makes 720L for $10, it's ALOT cheaper compared to Eco-cweed- makes 200L for $20.
Of course, I don't claim to know if the Aldi one is better or worst Eco-cweed.
Was going to buy this, but noticed Masters had this
https://www.masters.com.au/product/100009133/amgrow-seaweed-…
Those Hose on ones so much more expensive as it's diluted, but convenient for lawns.
The product above will treat 100sqm.
The proper seaweed concentrate will do cover much more sqm.
Yeah, just want it for my new lawn and then a quick splash on the veggie garden.
This isn't that good… Just go 2x2L pack of Seasol for $13 at Bunnings.
2x2L packs Seasols aren't concentrate.
Like comparing Cordial with soft drinks.
This is the Seasol concentrate http://www.bunnings.com.au/seasol-1l-liquid-seaweed-fertilis…
2x2L packs Seasols aren't concentrate.
you are correct… they are already diluted…
Why did the beach cry? Because the seaweed.
I have been sussing out Seasol recently after reading that many people reckon it does SFA. That has been my experience but its early days yet.
I have come to the same conclusion with Seasol. I will use Powerfeed by itself this upcoming season and not add Seasol.
Seasol is more a solution to help improve your soil … i'd suggest if you're using it with chemical fertilizer then it probably defeats the purpose of seasol .
I can't vouch whether seasol actually does any good though, i do use it .. but dont really have anything to compare it with.
Really? Anyone who takes an interest in gardening and plants ought to know the real benefits of seaweed extract. They're well documented and available at the click of your mouse. Even the 'real' stuff left to rot down works a treat for some plants. Perhaps these "many people" incorrectly think Seasol's a fertiliser, or that it's a miracle worker so no fertiliser is required?
It's not just where it comes from. The efficacy also depends on how it's processed and what other stuff they dilute it with…