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Apple Hill. CA.

I have a food grade barrel that once held Coke Syrup. The lable says Citric Acid Solution. My question is this barrel safe to make compost tea in? It has been washed out and is very clean.
Thanks,
Scott

4/16/2008 6:21:59 PM

Utah

it will be just fine to use.

4/16/2008 6:59:13 PM

Seattle, WA

that's a pretty big barrel! Do you need that much compost tea?

It should work fine though.

4/17/2008 1:28:36 AM

Apple Hill. CA.

Tad,
I was going to use the tea in all of my gardens not just the pumpkins. Can't hurt anything, right?

Scott

4/17/2008 1:46:26 PM

Seattle, WA

Nope, but most people don't need that much. Average rates for well made compost tea is 5 gal./acre for foliar applications up to 5 ft. in height, and 20 gal./acre for a soil drench.

So a 5 gal. brewer can cover a 1/4 acre of property no problem.

Also, properly made compost tea can't hurt anything, but it's accepts the premise that there are no pathogens in well made tea. If it's not made correctly it could have little to no benefit or be detrimental to your plants or soil. Not trying to scare you, you just want to make sure that you know what you have in your final tea.

Most people err with not enough aeration. Optimally you should have 0.08 CFM per gallon with a minimum of 0.05 CFM per gallon to make a brewer with air generation.

Check out www.microbeorganics.com if you're interested in a 55 gal. system. That may be a relatively inexpensive option that can ensure you're making good tea.

Good luck!

~Tad

4/17/2008 4:08:20 PM

Apple Hill. CA.

Tad,
I will brew smaller batches. Is this stuff any good?
http://www.groworganic.com/item_E130_PVFS_Compost_Tea_Food_20_ounces.html

Thanks!

4/17/2008 8:35:21 PM

Butler, Ohio

Hey Painter, I been using plastic barrel I got from Pepsi co for a couple of years now. had same stuff in it. Washed it out good and never had a problem. Go for it!!

4/19/2008 2:33:49 PM