I have decided to put this post together to hopefully help explain a little more detail about Seasol. I'll propose some questions followed by answers. The questions come from actual questions directed to me and others.
Q: Is Seasol a fertilizer?
A: No. Seasol state very clearly that Seasol is not a fertilizer. Seasol, (the company), have a very good Frequently Asked Questions section on their WEB site. FAQ
Q: Can I premix Seasol and store it for later use?
A: The answer to this question is not a simple Yes or No. I have been asked this question many times and have always said, mix what you need and use it. This is also what Seasol recommend. However, I wanted to know in more detail why this is so. I instigated an email conversation with a representative of the company to see if I could find out more detail. The following is the conversation I had with Seasol.
Ray:
To whom it may concern,
I am a teacher at the School of Bonsai. I have always advised people to only mix the amount of Seasol they need and then use it. I note that this is the advise that you provide. I am often asked why?? Could you please give me the reason why you advise to use within a 24hour period?
Thanks for your help.
Regards Ray
Seasol:
Hi Ray,
Thank you for your email. The reason we advise this is when the solution is mixed in an open container such as a bucket, it is exposed to air, surfaces, airborne microbes and other pollutants that could lead to contamination therefore it is always best to use the fresh mix as soon as possible.
Hope this helps.
Ray:
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. Considering what you have explained, what if the mixed solution was put into a sealed container immediately after mixing. Would the mixture be okay for a "period of time"? If so would you still put a time limit on the mixed solution?
Thank you again for your assistance.
Regards Ray
Seasol:
Hi Ray,
Yes you could premix and keep it in a sealed container, I couldn't give you an exact time as every time you open and use it you are exposing it to potential contaminates. Regular shelf life is around 5 years from date of manufacture, however we have had bottles much older that have been fine to use.
Kind regards,
NOTE: Regular shelf life is around 5 years from date of manufacture, however we have had bottles much older that have been fine to use. (This statement is referring to unmixed Seasol, not mixed Seasol).
Q: What do you use Seasol for?
A: I use Seasol for a number of situations.
- * Repotting: I will give the tree, ready for repotting, a good drink of Seasol for a couple of days prier to repotting. After the tree is repotted I use Seasol to encouraging new root growth before using fertilizers.
* Air Layers: After removing an Air Layer I will only give it Seasol until I see new growth and then use my fertilizing regime.
* If a tree has suffered from heat or missed being watered I will use Seasol to try and rehydrate the root system. I would tend to soak the tree in a tube of Seasol for several hours.
* Field digging trees: After digging a tree on a digging adventure I will soak the tree for several days in a tub of Seasol before potting. I empty and refill the tube about every 24 hours. After potting I will continue using Seasol until new growth has been established.
Hope this information may be helpful.
Regards Ray