By: Bryan Good
Sustainability Studies student
Have you ever gone to a lawn and garden store and become overwhelmed by the
numerous choices of fertilizer? Numbers like 12-0-0 and 8-8-8 among others quickly get
confusing. What to do? You can ask for help and many people are more than capable but it
takes several times in recapping to get a good grasp of the entire concept. In considering
nourishing a garden a growing number are looking away from the commercially available
fertilizers and more to compost tea. Compost tea is derived from compost that is freely
available if you put forth a little bit of work. Compost is condensed minerals, nutrients,
microbes and bacteria that are beneficial to plants and are the top choice of fertilizer when it comes to organic gardeners. It fits perfectly into sustainability as it allows plant
fertilization without adding harmful chemicals that may remain in the soil for an extended
time. Or worse, get washed away into the drainage system and contribute to hypoxia in the
Gulf of Mexico.
What if you are low on compost and don’t have immediate access to more? There is a way to make it last much longer by making compost tea. Compost tea can be made in various quantities quite easily. I start by using rainwater that I’ve collected in my rainbarrel system by pouring it into a 5 gallon bucket.
If you use city water I strongly suggest that you allow it to sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate as chlorine will kill the bacteria and microbes that you are trying to get to your plants and soil and make this effort fruitless.
There is really no one “right” way when it comes to making compost tea. You just need a means to contain the compost while the water soaks into it and draws out the good stuff. Women’s pantyhose are an excellent choice. Men, if you have an issue with buying pantyhose, ask a friendly lady to help. 😉 Put the compost inside the hose, tie a knot to contain it, drop into the water and secure on the side of the bucket to keep it from
falling in. Some go an extra step and pump air into it by use of a fish tank pump, but this is
not necessary. Remember, a lot of “green” gardening techniques were developed by people who needed to save money. Let the bucket sit for at least 6 hours so the good stuff can find its way into the water and multiplies more. Once you are ready, remove the pantyhose and put the compost back into your pile or use it to supplement the soil around your flowers.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, you cannot apply too much.
Now take the water mixture now known as compost tea and pour it into your watering can and bless your plants with the best drink they’ve ever gotten. In this way, you will save money, not risk burning your plants, and maybe learn science. Above all, your plants will thank you with whatever they specialize in.
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