I am starting a project to use kelp in conjunction with my worm farming. Kelp is a giant sea weed, that is thrown up in great quantities along our coastline after every storm. I have already started feeding it to my working worms on a trial basis and intend expanding to a bigger operation soon.
There has been considerable scientific research into Kelp for a number of beneficial uses, in varied spheres of interest. Seaweed, such as kelp has long been the main source for agar-agar, a useful product that is essential for making Jello (Jelly in UK). Vegans also use it to provide missing elements in their diet. In the garden, Kelp is well known as a source of trace elements and kelp extract is sold for promoting healthy plant growth, particularly where soils are impoverished or lacking in certain minerals. It may be used direct to the roots or often sprayed on as a foliar feed – however the kelp extract is certainly not cheap.
My plan is to use vermicomposting to break down the kelp, so that I get a double wammy – the rich organic fertilizer from the normal worm composting operation and the extra bonus of adding all the trace minerals that kelp brings to the party.
I’ll keep you posted.