Tag Archives: organic

Making Compost Tea – the process

The compost tea is brewing and I want to share the process I used.  I referenced both Bruce Deuley and Bob Webster for my tea bucket and the method.  Thanks to their generous spirits, the plants should be benefiting in about 24 hours

You'll need:

  • 5 gallon bucket
  • air pump for 50 gallon fish tank
  • air stones
  • plastic tubing
  • T splitter or other splitter to get additional lines in bucket
  • paint strainer bag
  • water:  de-chlorinate your water or use rainwater (I used pond water)
  • 1 quart of good organic compost

 
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This is the splitter I used.  Also my pump has two lines so I can get even more air lines into the bucket

 
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Air stones which create lots of bubbles in the bucket of water

Because the bacteria and fungi will need something to eat while they grow and multiply, I added 1T molasses and 1 T fish emulsion, and about 1/3 cup oatmeal to the water. 

Next -fill the paint strainer bag about 1/3 full of compost, tie the bag shut and add your bag of compost to the bucket of water..

 
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Tie bag with a string and if you are using multiple lines & air stones, put one line down in the bag.  Here is my final set up:

 
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Special thanks to Mr. Pippin for making sure I did everything correctly.

  
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Now we wait 6-8 hours then remove the bag and let bubble for another 18-24 hours.

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Cynthia

Cynthia McKenna is a psychotherapist in private practice in the Texas Hill Country.  You can learn more about her at www.cynthiamckennacounseling.com

Not quite so Gourmet…

 
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Feeling more like Little House on the Prairie as I scrape the flesh out my organic, home grown pumpkins. 

I don't remember Ma having a glass of Sauvignon Blanc while she made the pumpkin pie, but I'm finding it helpful.

Cynthia

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Cynthia McKenna is a psychotherapist
specializing in anxiety, depression and healthy living.  You can learn
more about her work