Seaweed Fermented Plant Food
Locally gathered seaweed is transformed into a concentrated liquid plant feed, creating a practical connection between the South Coast and the Seed to Sea garden.
From the South Coast to the garden
Fermented seaweed plant food is made and used throughout the productive garden at 38 The Parade.
Locally gathered seaweed is submerged in water and allowed to steep and ferment. The liquid is then strained, bottled, clearly labelled and diluted before being applied around selected productive plants.
This homemade feed works alongside compost, mulch and the garden’s other soil-building systems. It provides a supplementary garden input while reducing some reliance on bought, packaged products.
The process makes the relationship between sea and garden visible. A material gathered from the nearby coast becomes part of growing food in Island Bay, strengthening Seed to Sea’s connection with its particular place.
How the system connects
Seaweed is gathered carefully from the nearby South Coast.
Water and time transform it into a concentrated liquid.
The liquid is strained, bottled and labelled for storage.
It is diluted before being applied around selected productive plants.
The feed works alongside compost and living soil to support the garden.
A closer look: making and using the feed
The seaweed plant food is prepared in batches rather than made as a standard commercial product. Each batch is clearly labelled, stored carefully and diluted before use.
Because homemade mixtures naturally vary, the liquid is used as a supplementary feed rather than as a replacement for compost, mulch or balanced soil care. This keeps the system simple while recognising that long-term plant health begins with healthy living soil.
Gathering with care
Seaweed is part of the coastal ecosystem as well as a useful garden resource. Gathering should be modest, thoughtful and consistent with current local rules and the health of the shoreline.
At Seed to Sea, the aim is to maintain a respectful relationship with the coast—taking only what is appropriate and using what is gathered purposefully.
At a glance
Made at: 38 The Parade, Island Bay
Source: Locally gathered South Coast seaweed
System type: Homemade concentrated liquid plant feed
Main inputs: Seaweed, water and time
Process: Submerged, steeped and fermented, strained, bottled and diluted
Main output: Concentrated seaweed liquid
Garden use: Supplementary feed for selected productive plants
Management: Prepared in batches, clearly labelled, stored carefully and diluted before application
Role in the garden: Place-based garden input and a practical connection between coast and garden
Permaculture principles: Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services; Catch and Store Energy; Obtain a Yield
Fermented seaweed plant food makes the “Sea” in Seed to Sea tangible—showing how a locally available material can support an urban garden when it is gathered and used with care.
