Crab/Lobster Shell Flour

Crab/Lobster Shell Flour is a finely ground crustacean meal that nourishes soil biology while delivering essential nutrients. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and chitin, this marine-based amendment blends evenly into soil mixes and topdressings to boost moisture retention and organic matter.

At a glance

• Type: Finely ground crustacean meal soil amendment
• Nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and chitin
• Chitin benefit: Supports beneficial bacteria that help suppress soil pests and some root diseases
• Soil benefit: Improves soil structure and moisture retention
• Application rate: 1/4 to 1/2 cup per cubic foot of soil
• Pairs with: Kelp meal, compost, and worm castings

Best for

• Compost and organic soil mixes
• Garden topdressing
• Pest and disease management support
• Hydroponics or soilless blends with other amendments
• Containers, raised beds, and garden plots

How to use

Mix into soil before planting or blend into organic soil mixes at 1/4 to 1/2 cup per cubic foot of soil, or layer over the soil surface and cover with worm castings or compost to integrate nutrients gradually. To make a chitin spray for fungal and pest issues, mix 1/4 cup shell flour with 4 gallons of water and 1 teaspoon Quantum VSC, let it sit 1 to 2 days until the odor diminishes, strain, dilute with another 4 gallons of water, then spray plants in early morning or late afternoon to minimize leaf burn. Leftover spray can be applied to soil or compost.

About The Soil Makers

The Soil Makers bring decades of experience in sustainable soil amendments, emphasizing natural minerals, soil biology, and practical inputs that help growers build living soils.