UBCNews - Business - Why Shellfish Fertilizer Works: Benefits For Organic Gardens & Farms

Episode Date: March 12, 2026

So, if you've been wondering how to boost your organic garden naturally, you're in for a treat today. We're talking about shellfish fertilizer—something that might sound a bit unusual at first, but it's actually a really effective option. I'm here with our guest who's gonna walk us through why this stuff works so well. Welcome! GS Plant Foods City: Lake Mary Address: 4300 West Lake Mary Boulevard Website: https://gsplantfoods.com/

If you've been wondering how to boost your organic garden naturally, you're in for a treat today. We're talking about shellfish fertilizer, something that might sound a bit unusual at first, but it's actually a really effective option. I'm here with our guest who's going to walk us through why this stuff works so well. Welcome! Thanks for having me? Yeah, shellfish fertilizer is one of those things that sounds kind of weird until you understand what it is. Basically, we're talking about fertilizer made from the shells of crustaceans, crabs, shrimp,

lobsters. These shells would otherwise just be waste, so it's a sustainable way to repurpose them. Right. So instead of tossing those shells back into the ocean, we're turning them into something useful for the soil. How does that process actually work? Great question. The shells are rich in nitrogen, and they get composted with carbon-rich materials like wood chips, leaves or bark. Over several months, microorganisms break down the proteins and sugars in the shells.

This composting process generates a lot of heat, which does two things. It reduces pathogens and eliminates that fissiota you might expect. Mm-hmm, that's smart. Exactly. And the heat also kills weed seeds, so you end up with this rich, clean compost that's ready to feed your plants. I actually tried this myself a couple years back. mixed my own batch with some leftover crab shells from a cookout. Took a while, but my tomatoes absolutely loved it. That's awesome. Okay, so we've established that it's sustainable and odor-free.

But what makes it better than, um, synthetic fertilizers? I mean, a lot of people are used to those high-n-pK numbers on the bag. That's a common misconception. Synthetic fertilizers spike those NPK values artificially, way beyond what occurs in nature. Think of it like vitamin pills. Your body can't absorb everything, so a lot goes to waste. Organic fertilizers work with nature to improve nutrient uptake efficiency without excess runoff. So even though shellfish fertilizer has a lower NPK, around 3 to 3.30 for something like crab shell,

it delivers nutrients more effectively. I see. So the focus is quality, not just quantity. What nutrients are we talking about here? Shellfish fertilizer provides a slow release of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also contains trace minerals. The slow release nature means plants get a steady supply over time, which prevents nutrient shock and plant burn. Something you can get with synthetic options. Plants receive nutrients gradually. In other words, they're fed consistently without overwhelming their systems.

That makes sense. And I've heard something about Kytin being a big deal in shellfish fertilizer. What's that about? Oh, Kytin is huge. It's a compound found in crab and shrimp shells. When you add it to the soil, it encourages Kiten-degrading bacteria to grow. These bacteria suppress pest nematodes, slugs, snails, ants, and grubs. On top of that, Kiten can trigger a plant's natural defense mechanisms, making them more resistant

to diseases like root rot, blight, and powdery mildew. So you're basically boosting the plant's immune system while controlling pest at the same time? Exactly. And earthworms love shellfish fertilizer, so you're also attracting beneficial organisms that improve soil structure and aeration. It's like throwing a party for your soil, and all the good guests show up.

Huh, I like that. That point about beneficial organisms and soil structure sets up our next piece. How to actually apply this stuff in your garden. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. If you're ready to try organic crab shell fertilizer, GS Plant Foods has a calcium booster 3-3-30 formula that's perfect for tomatoes, flowers, and vegetables.

Their crab shell chips promote mycelium growth, helping roots find water and nutrients efficiently. Plus, most products have a zero-harvest interval, though waiting two to three days allows for optimal nutrient absorption and flavor. Find out more at gsplantfoods.com. Picking up on those beneficial organisms and soil structure, how do you actually apply shellfish fertilizer? Is it different from synthetic options? It's pretty straightforward. You can broadcast it several weeks before planting, about 10 pounds per hundred square feet, and rake it into the top four to six inches of soil.

Or you can work it into individual planting holes as you transplant or sewes or sewes. seeds. Since it's slow release, you don't need to worry about burning your plants. And what about watering? Do you need to water it in like some fertilizers? For granular forms like crab shell, watering the area after application, helps activate the nutrients and encourage microbial activity. Liquid formulas absorb more quickly and don't require additional watering. Either way, applying early in the morning gives it time to soak in before any rain or irrigation. I love that.

Less work for the gardener. Now, one concern people might have is environmental impact. How does shellfish fertilizer compare to synthetics in that regard? This is where it really shines. The nitrogen in shellfish fertilizer doesn't readily leach into water runoff, so it's safe to use near-water systems. Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, can overload plants with nutrients they can't absorb, and that excess ends up polluting waterways.

You're reducing environmental harm while still feeding your plants effectively. That's a win-win. So to everyone listening who's maybe tried synthetics in the past and dealt with runoff issues, this could be a better path forward. Are there specific plants that benefit most from shellfish fertilizer? It's beneficial for all plants, but especially good for those that need higher calcium levels, like tomatoes and peppers.

The calcium helps prevent blossom and rot, and it strengthens cell walls across the board. Right, exactly. Yeah, and for folks with shellfish allergies, there's no danger at all. The muscle proteins in shellfish, like tropomyosin, which cause allergies, are eaten by microorganisms during composting. By the time it reaches your garden, those allergens are gone. Good to know, so if someone's new to organic gardening, what should they keep in mind when trying shellfish fertilizer for the first time?

Start with the understanding that it's a slow release option, so you won't see instant results like you might with synthetics. But over time, you'll notice healthier soil, stronger plants, and better yields. It supports a diverse microbial community, which is key for long-term soil health and plant immunity. Patients pays off, basically. Have you found that timing matters much when you first start? using it? Definitely. Applying a few weeks before planting gives the microbes time to start

breaking down the material. That way, nutrients are available when your plants need them most. And because it's organic, it aligns with certification standards if you're farming commercially or just want to keep things truly natural in your backyard. Right. So we've covered what shellfish fertilizer is, how it's made, why it's better than synthetics, and how to use it. Any fine Final thoughts for our listeners who might want to give this a try? I'd say, if you're serious about organic gardening and soil health, shellfish fertilizer is worth considering. It provides nutrients, pest control, and environmental benefits all in one. Plus, you're repurposing waste that would otherwise just sit in a landfill or get dumped back into the ocean.

Perfect. Thanks so much for breaking this down today. For anyone looking to learn more or find quality organic crab shell fertilizer, head over to gsplantfoods.com. Happy gardening, everyone.