Re: [compost_tea] kickers and mixers

From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_gardener.com>
Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 09:14:44 -0900
Matthew,

That was a terrible answer I gave you!  I am sorry. I was rushing
through the moderate stuff to get the messages out.

Do go to those references, but this may help start a thread to help new
folks to making teas.

The aim is to grow fungal and bacterial microorganisms.

Bacteria like sugars: Molassas, complex sugars like Doc Elaine just
noted.
Fungi more complex materials, proteins, something to which to anchor
and that will provide nutrients: Cold water Kelp, greensands, rock
dusts, humic and fulvic acids.

Carefully worked out recipes are in the CT manual.

How big is your brewer? 1 tablespoon of molassas for five gallons of
water makes a great bacterial tea
                                          1 tablespoon of kelp will help get fungal tea if you activate
your compost first.

Activate compost to increase fungal numbers in tea for five gallons: 
mix in a few tablespoons of baby or ground oatmeal into the compost a
week before making the tea. Cover the container, place in 80 degree
heat, dark, check to make sure the cover doesn't carry too much
condesation. In a few days a "santa's beard of fungi will appear if you
have good fungi in your compost.  Use this to make the tea. Fungi don't
multiply in the tea, they only grow. Bacteria multiply.

What kind of tea do you want to make? Bacterial or fungal.

Cheers,

jeff


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Received on Sat Jan 08 2005 - 18:25:03 EST

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