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Ankeny, Iowa

I have been growing giant pumpkins for about 9 years now and I have never thought about using compost tea before. I always thought it was a waste of time and effort. But I have been doing research and I have decided to give it a try this year. It sounds like a good idea. I'm thinking about setting up a small brewing and simple system using a five gallon bucket and a cloth "sack" with compost init (tea bag) and adding some brown sugar, and maybe some dilluted fertilizer to the mix. Then stir the tea about 3 or 4 times a day to add oxygen. Is this method good or do I need to buy an air pump? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

3/16/2007 5:46:35 PM

Rhode Island

junior

if it were me id invest in a professional system.a beneficial compost tea needs to be brewed with forced air circulation, worm castings and a nutrient solution to wake everything up.

a simple paddling one in a while will do nothing to activate the microbial activity. you will be wasting your time.

remember if it smells like s--t it usually is s--t.
good compost smells earthty and when completed has a brown foamy substance on top of the brew.

pap

3/16/2007 10:28:23 PM