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Fresno, Ca

How long can I store compost for compost tea? I am hoping it will store through the summer while I brew, because I have limited space for my pile. Also what is the best method of storing? I read on Simplici-tea's website that they ship in a burlap bag so that the compost has air. I wondered if you need to keep the compost moist to keep all the beneficials alive? Thanks for the help Don

3/18/2008 11:12:26 PM

Seattle, WA

It is important to keep the compost moist and in a container where it can breathe. I would recommend using some plant containers or a 5 gal. bucket with holes drilled in the sides and bottom and top. Be sure to put the container up off the ground (maybe some 2 x 4's underneath it so air can move up underneath the bucket. You'll want to keep the compost moist so that when you squeeze a handful a drop of water comes out (no more, no less).

~Tad

PS: We also store our compost in paper bags in the form of our food kits. These we've tested up to a year and they were still viable. The biggest issue is with storage, that they're in a cool, moist location and the compost hasn't dried out.

3/19/2008 1:43:19 AM

President - GPC

ReInnoculating dryed out compost. Tad, I have some older material I want to reinnoculate, is that possible? What would you recommend for starting it back up besides moisture, worms, and some sprayed CT on the dry? I used some of my old dried compost to start up my worm farm, worms didnt seem to mind.

3/19/2008 10:18:23 AM

Seattle, WA

You could also add some baby oatmeal or organic alfalfa meal to activate the biology. However, there's no way to know for sure unless you have a microscope. See how fast the material you apply disappears as that will give you an idea as to whether or not the biology is present.

3/19/2008 12:45:46 PM