Is Kelp Good for Tomato Plants?

Kelp, also known as seaweed, has been used for centuries to improve soil and plant health. With its abundance of nutrients and minerals, many gardeners wonder if kelp is good for tomato plants. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using kelp to grow healthy and robust tomato plants.

The Nutrients in Kelp

Kelp is rich in many essential nutrients that tomato plants need to thrive. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, kelp contains trace minerals, such as zinc, iron, and copper, that are necessary for healthy plant growth.

One of the key benefits of kelp is that it contains cytokinins, which are plant hormones that stimulate cell division and growth. This can lead to stronger and more vigorous tomato plants that produce higher yields.

Kelp as a Soil Amendment

Kelp can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health and structure. When kelp is added to the soil, it can increase the soil's water-holding capacity and aeration. This can help prevent water-logging and improve drainage, which is critical to the success of tomato plants.

Kelp can also help improve the soil's fertility by providing the nutrients and minerals tomato plants need to grow. Regular applications of kelp can lead to healthier soil, which can result in stronger and more productive tomato plants.

Kelp as a Foliar Spray

In addition to using kelp as a soil amendment, it can also be used as a foliar spray. Foliar sprays are liquid solutions that are sprayed directly onto the leaves of plants to provide them with nutrients and minerals. Kelp can be used as a foliar spray to provide tomato plants with a quick nutrient boost.

When kelp is used as a foliar spray, it is absorbed directly through the leaves of the tomato plant. This can help the plant to absorb nutrients more efficiently, leading to faster growth and higher yields. Kelp foliar sprays can also help improve the plant's resistance to environmental stressors, such as drought, pests, and diseases.

How to Use Kelp for Tomato Plants

Kelp can be used in a variety of ways to improve the health and productivity of tomato plants. Here are some of the most effective ways to use kelp:

Add kelp meal or powder to the soil before planting tomatoes

Add liquid kelp to the soil as a soil drench

Use kelp as a foliar spray once a week

When using kelp as a soil amendment or foliar spray, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates. Too much kelp can lead to over-fertilization, which can harm tomato plants.

The Bottom Line

Overall, kelp is an excellent natural fertilizer that can help tomato plants grow strong and healthy. Its abundance of nutrients and minerals, as well as its cytokinins, make it an ideal addition to any garden. Whether used as a soil amendment or a foliar spray, kelp can help improve soil health, increase yields, and promote overall plant growth.