By Jenny Mills · rural nurse & homesteader · health, safety, law and the paperwork of going bush
“After three failed attempts to treat my husband's muscle cramps with local eucalyptus, I learned that dried saltbush leaves provided the only reliable potassium when the stockist ran dry.”
— Jenny. Paperwork first, then the fun part.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopForget fancy supplements. If you're off-grid in Australia, potassium comes from dirt, sea, and your wood stove. No bullshit. Here's how to get it right.
Forget fancy supplements. If you're off-grid in Australia, potassium comes from dirt, sea, and your wood stove. No bullshit. Here's how to get it right.
Wood ash is 5-10% potassium (K2O). Burn hardwoods only (eucalyptus, ironbark). Never use treated wood or coal – toxic as hell.
How to use: Mix 1 cup ash per 10L water. Let sit 24hrs. Strain. Use as liquid feed on veggies. Never use on seedlings – burns roots.
Cost: Free if you burn your own wood. If you buy firewood, it's $15-$25 for a 50kg bag. Ash is just a byproduct.
Organic kelp meal is packed with potassium (8-10%) and trace minerals. Not the cheap, smelly stuff from China. Get Australian.
How to use: Mix 100g kelp meal per 10L water. Stir daily for 3 days. Use as foliar spray or soil drench. Works in 2 weeks.
Suppliers: Seaweed Solutions (QLD) – $25 for 1kg bag. Ocean Harvest (VIC) – $28 for 1kg. Both ship nationwide. Don't buy "kelp extract" – it's diluted and useless.
Granite dust has 0.5-1% potassium. It's slow-release. Use only if you're desperate and have no other options.
How to use: Mix 1 cup dust per 10L water. Let sit 7 days. Use on heavy soils (like clay). Never use on sandy soils – it'll just sit there.
Suppliers: Rock & Soil Supplies (NSW) – $12 for 5kg bag. Geotech (WA) – $15 for 5kg. Check local stonemasons – they often have excess dust for $5-$10.
Key rules: Test your soil first. Potassium needs vary. Too much = salt burn. Too little = yellow leaves. If you're not sure, get a $50 soil test from Soil Testing Australia. Don't guess.
Summary: Wood ash = free but risky. Kelp = best value. Granite dust = last resort. No magic bullets. Just dirt, sea, and your wood stove. Get it done.
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
Worth a watch: 12 Australian Towns Where You Can Live Off Grid For Practically Free · Loving Australia