UBCNews - Business - Organic Fish & Kelp Fertilizers: The Child-Safe Secret To Growing Bigger Flowers

Episode Date: January 22, 2026

So, have you ever worried about what you're putting on your garden when kids or pets are running around? Today we're getting into something pretty exciting - a fertilizer that's actually safe for the whole family and produces incredible blooms. GS Plant Foods City: Lake Mary Address: 4300 West Lake Mary Boulevard Website: https://gsplantfoods.com/

So have you ever worried about what you're putting on your garden when kids or pets are running around? Today we're getting into something pretty exciting, a fertilizer that's actually safe for the whole family, and produces incredible blooms. Oh, absolutely. And I think what really stands out here is that we're talking about organic fish and kelp fertilizers. These are OMRI certified, so they meet strict organic standards, and they're formulated from completely non-toxic ingredients. Right, so parents don't have to worry about their kids touching the soil after feeding their flowers. That's a huge selling point. What exactly goes into this blend? It's a combination of cold-processed hydrolyzed fish in Norwegian ascaphalum-needosum seaweed.

That's a specific type of kelp. The fish portion provides amino acids, enzymes, and micronutrients that really accelerate plant growth and also feed the beneficial microbes in your soil. Mm-hmm, makes sense. And the kelp side of things? The kelp is where the magic really happens for long-term benefits. It contains over 60 essential minerals. We're talking magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, plus natural growth hormones like cytokinns and oxen. These hormones promote larger flowers and fruits, delay aging in plants, and even extend the shelf life of your produce.

That's fascinating. So you're getting immediate nutrition from the fish and then these long-term growth benefits from the kelp. What's the NPK ratio on something like this? Typically around 231, it's balanced so it supports overall plant health without overloading any one nutrient. You know, too much nitrogen can actually push plants to produce more leaves instead of blooms. So that balance matters. Or as I like to say, balance really matters when you want flowers, not a salad garden. Ha! That's a great way to put it. and I've heard that kelp also helps plants handle stress, like drought or frost. How does that work?

The natural compounds in kelp strengthen the plant's resistance to environmental stressors. So whether it's heat, cold, pests, or dry spells, plants treated with kelp tend to bounce back faster and stay healthier overall. I actually saw this firsthand last summer when we had that brutal heat wave. My neighbor's roses were wilting, but mine just kept going strong after regular kelp applications. That point about natural stress resistance really sets up our next piece. How these organic options build resilient soil ecosystems. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. GS plant food specializes in plant nutrition products formulated from organic, all-natural ingredients.

Their fish and kelp liquid blend is Omri-certified and safe for children, pets, pollinators, and waterways. It's designed to promote bigger blooms, healthier roots, and stronger plants. You can use it as a foliar spray or soil drench for fast absorption. Find out more at gsplantfoods.com. Picking up on that natural stress resistance, how do these organic fertilizers actually improve the soil itself over time? Great question.

Organic fertilizers like fish and kelp go beyond feeding the plants. They feed the soil. They improve soil structure, boost moisture retention, and increase microbial activity. Over time, you're literally building a living fertile foundation. So it's a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. Exactly. Synthetic fertilizers can give you a fast burst of nutrients, but they don't do much for the soil ecosystem. Organic options release nutrients slowly, feeding beneficial organisms season after season.

In other words, you're creating a thriving underground community that keeps working for you year after year. Right, that ongoing benefit is huge. What about application? How do you actually use this stuff? You've got options. You can apply it as a foliar spray, which means spraying it directly on the leaves for rapid nutrient absorption. Or you can use it as a soil drench,

watering it into the root zone. Both methods work well, and the water-soluble formula makes absorption fast through roots and leaves. And foliar feeding is especially helpful during critical growth stages. Like when plants are forming buds or recovering from stress, right? Absolutely. It's like giving your plants a direct vitamin shop when they need it most. The leaves absorb those nutrients almost immediately.

Now, some folks might be concerned about the smell. Fish fertilizer doesn't always have the best reputation in that department. Yeah, there can be a mild natural fish scent when you first apply it, but it fades quickly. Most users report it's gone within a few hours, especially outdoors. Good to know, and we should talk about sustainability here. Kelp is a renewable resource, right? Definitely. Kelp grows rapidly in cold ocean waters and is harvested responsibly. The demand for eco-friendly fertilizers is growing significantly, driven by organic

farming and consumer preference for organically grown produce. So for everyone listening, if you're looking for a way to grow bigger, more vibrant flowers without worrying about safety, organic fish and kelp blends check all the boxes. They really do. You're nourishing your plants, building healthier soil, and doing it in a way that's safe for your family and the environment. Customer reviews mention things like fuchsias and impatience blooming like mad after using these products.

That's the kind of result we all want. Before we wrap up, any final tips for gardeners just getting started with organic fertilizers? Start with the recommended rates on the label. You can always increase frequency as your plants respond. And remember, more fertilizer doesn't necessarily mean better results. Balance and consistency matter most. Perfect advice. Thanks so much for walking us through this today.

It's been really informative. My pleasure. Happy garden.