From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Kenyon, Mn.

Well folks, I am a rookie at this and I hope someone will enlighten me as to the usefullness of molasses and rabbit food? Phil

10/26/2003 9:24:22 PM

Brillion Wisconsin

The molasses is added for an abundant supply of sugars for the breeding and reproduction of aerbic bacteria in compost.

The rabbit pellets are 100% alpha. Alpha is an excellent natural fertilizer. Good N P and K values, growth hormones and micronutrients. I'm not sure if it will make for bigger pumpkins but I'm giving it a try for next year. I'll let you know....Deano

10/26/2003 9:51:04 PM

Puyallup, WA

I believe the word you are looking for is "alfalfa". If there are wild rabbits around, I'd think twice about adding it to your growing mound. I had rabbits burrowing beneath my hoophouses the year I made that mistake.

10/26/2003 11:12:27 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

Thanks To Deano and Stan, I should be fine with plenty of good advice, I do have lots of bunnies here though!

10/27/2003 9:37:50 AM

Montoursville, PA

QUOTING: DEAR DIRT DOCTOR

Molasses is a sweet syrup that is a carbohydrate used as a soil amendment to feed and stimulate microorganisms. Contains sulfur, potash and many trace minerals. approximate analysis is 1-0-5. Quick source of energy for the soil life and microbes in a compost pile. It is a carbon source and feeds beneficial microbes, creating greater nature fertility. Unquote Black Strap cattle grade molasses can be found in places that mix or make cattle feed. It costs about $3.00 a gallon.

10/27/2003 11:41:01 AM

Hamilton, MT

Molasses...How is the mixture prepared, how is it applied and how much /100 ft squared?

10/27/2003 8:30:08 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

I can't find black strap liquid so I'm using 50# bags of molasses cattle feed

10/27/2003 8:55:50 PM

Montoursville, PA

Per 1000 sq. ft. I use about a quart in the fall addition of manures and leaves. I use about 2oz. a week applied with other sprays weekly during the growing season.

10/27/2003 10:34:05 PM

Myrtle Creek, Oregon

doc are you useing 1qt per gallon of water in the fall? or just how do you smear 1qt of molassas over 1000sq.ft of soil?
H-K-J <;-)

10/28/2003 10:41:08 AM

Montoursville, PA

Common sense distribution by untold gallons of water just before each time I till. I just take an eyeball measure and go in three batches watered down so I can spray it from a back pack sprayer. The tiller finishes the distribution. I try to till three or four times throughout the fall getting up to the cover crop seeding. Each application left lay for a week or so will cause a bloom in biological help from your natural biological soil content. The other benefits is a goes with. Not rocket science. I get a quart in more or less.

I have for years expected the bear to smell this activity and dig a hole looking for the mother load. They never have but I still would not be surprised if the did. A guy about a mile from me lost two bee hives last week. They went right through his electric fence.

10/28/2003 7:06:44 PM

Taber, Alberta

Everyone seems to say that molasses is good for the soil. If I add this to my soil, is this going to drive my dog nuts? I added 2 1/2 yards of manure to my patch and my dog is in heaven. She loves to eat the stuff and roll around in it. Is she going to be doing the same thing for the molasses? She just stinks!

Alan

10/29/2003 9:31:32 AM

mmm nothing like dog rolled in shit. i don't think she'd go for the molasses quite as much.

10/29/2003 11:26:03 AM

Kenyon, Mn.

Brigitte, Between a dog smelling like crap and their compulsion to rol on dead critters, molasses may be a pleasant chang of aroma! Where in Wi. are you lacated

10/29/2003 3:14:40 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

GEES, Can ya all tell I just woke up by the spelling in my last posting!Sorry Brigitte,I am usually a tad more lucid.

10/29/2003 6:08:07 PM

Montoursville, PA

I certainly would not worry about rabbits going for pellets as they will start to mold and breakdown instantly. I six weeks they should be consumed by the patch. Good additive by any organic measuring.

As to molasses and dogs. Hey if he licks crap and gets hooked on sugar treats consequently molasses at least his breath will smell better and he might be a healthier dog. Won't do a thing for his special visitor only farts. :)

11/10/2003 6:49:23 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Dogs and molasses mix well. My dog Elmo did not take notice of the dried molasses I added in early October.

11/16/2003 11:18:47 AM