You can buy tea seed meal from health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, or specialty gardening shops that focus on organic fertilizers.
Tea seed meal is a powerful organic fertilizer and pest control product derived from camellia seeds after oil extraction. This natural byproduct contains high levels of saponins that benefit lawns and gardens while controlling pests like jumping worms. Here’s where to find quality tea seed meal and how to use it effectively.
Top Places to Purchase Tea Seed Meal
1. Specialty Garden Supply Stores
Local garden centers often carry tea seed meal, especially in areas with camellia cultivation. Genesis Supply Store offers 25 lb and 50 lb bags of organic tea seed meal perfect for large applications.
2. Online Retailers
Amazon stocks several brands of tea seed meal fertilizers. The Planet Turf Tea Seed Meal comes in convenient sizes for residential use. For commercial quantities, check Reinders’ 40 lb bags of Andersons Castaway DG Tea Seed Meal.
3. Agricultural Suppliers
Companies like Norganics specialize in organic pest control products. They offer detailed application guidelines for their granulated tea seed meal formula.
Understanding Tea Seed Meal Applications
As a Natural Fertilizer
Tea seed meal provides slow-release nitrogen (1-0-0 NPK ratio) to turfgrass and garden plants. The saponins break down gradually with irrigation or rainfall.
For Pest Control
Many gardeners report success using tea seed meal against invasive jumping worms. One user noted: “I spread the meal & watered it in. I saw 12-20 come to the surface & die.” However, extension services caution it also kills beneficial earthworms.
Application Rates
| Purpose | Rate |
|---|---|
| Fertilization | 6-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
| Pest Control | Up to 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
Pros and Cons of Tea Seed Meal
Benefits
- Organic nitrogen source
- Reduces worm castings on turf
- Effective against jumping worms
- Slow-release formula
Drawbacks
- Kills beneficial earthworms
- Potential harm to aquatic life
- Limited research on long-term effects
Alternative Organic Solutions
For those concerned about tea seed meal’s non-selective effects, consider these alternatives:
For Fertilization
Compost tea or vegetable-based fertilizers provide nutrients without harming soil life.
For Pest Control
Manual removal or cold-pressed plant extracts may offer gentler solutions for worm infestations.
Expert Recommendations
University of Maine Extension advises caution with tea seed meal: “It is lethal to other organisms in the food chain, particularly molluscs and fish if it gets into groundwater.” They recommend hand-picking worms using mustard soaks as a safer alternative.
When using tea seed meal, always follow label instructions carefully. Avoid applications near water sources and sweep any spilled product back onto treated areas to prevent runoff.
