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Eastern Pennsylvania

I have a Stihl 420 backpack mister, a pump sprayer, and a hose-end applicator. At this stage I want a soil drench, so what would be the best way? Also, does anyone know if spraying foliar via the gas powered mister will injure or kill the microbes? Thanks - JIM

5/21/2009 1:53:23 PM

South East

Some bacterial structures might be tore up, overal it wil stil be benificial.

5/21/2009 10:29:39 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

Use a large setting in your nozzel and low pressure. Also the sprayer should be free of all pesticides residue.

5/28/2009 8:11:51 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

Jim,

With pumpkin plants in late May the soil drench is a good idea. I put the finished compost tea in a watering can and gently sprinkle it on the plant leaves and around it. Try to apply it in a 5 foot circle so that the tea will get down to the roots that are out that far.

Grow a big orange one!

Chuck

5/29/2009 2:58:36 PM

Rhode Island

when we spray apply any pesticides,fungicides and/or organ ic growth products we use the gas backpack sprayer, adjusting flow to desired coverage as bill mentioned.

when we drench however we want more coverage over the soil so we use a submersible pump with hose end garden applicator. ------------when the plants are small we mix approximately 25 gallons inside a 55 gallon drum ( easier to move arouns )

once the plants get bigger we have a couple 250 gallon tanks we can use.

pap

5/30/2009 7:08:17 AM

Pennsylvania

I heard somewhere that microbes are unharmed as long as the pressure is under 150 psi. Even then, it is only mostly to the detriment of the fungi because of it tearing up their hyphae (hope I spelled that right).

5/30/2009 11:33:04 AM