What Is Kelp in Minecraft?
Kelp is a seaweed block that was introduced in Minecraft Java Edition 1.13. It grows underwater, can be harvested for kelp items, and serves multiple purposes, from food to building material. Unlike many other aquatic plants, kelp can be found in most ocean biomes, making it one of the most accessible resources for players who spend time exploring the deep.
How to Find Kelp
Finding kelp is straightforward if you know where to look. Follow these steps to locate it quickly:
- Locate an ocean biome. Cold, lukewarm, and warm oceans all contain kelp.
- Search for underwater areas with a light level of 7 or higher. Kelp prefers brighter water, so it often appears near the surface.
- Look for tall green stalks growing from the sand or gravel. Kelp can reach up to 26 blocks in height, though most plants are shorter.
In the video linked in the context, the creator demonstrates a quick method for locating kelp by using loaded chunks, which ensures that the farm remains active even when you are far away.
Harvesting Kelp Efficiently
Once you have spotted kelp, harvesting it is simple:
- Use any axe or shears to break the top block of the kelp stalk.
- All blocks below the broken section will drop as kelp items.
- Collect the items and store them in a chest for later use.
Because kelp can be broken with a single click, it is ideal for large‑scale farms. The EDIT note from the video states that “crops now grow in any loaded chunks (1.21.5+ java)”, which means a kelp farm can stay productive as long as the chunk remains loaded, even if you are far away.
Building the Easiest Kelp Farm
Materials Needed
- Water source blocks
- Bone meal (optional for faster growth)
- Any solid block for the farm’s frame
- Hoppers and chests for automatic collection
Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Choose a flat area underwater and place a solid block frame about 3 × 3 blocks wide.
- Fill the interior with water source blocks. This creates a “kelp‑friendly” environment where each block can grow independently.
- Plant kelp on the bottom layer of the frame. You can plant a single kelp stalk per block, then use bone meal to accelerate growth if desired.
- Place hoppers at the top of the frame, pointing into a chest. As the kelp reaches the surface, it will break automatically and be
