Assuming it is made from composted manures rather than fresh, that it is sufficiently diluted first, and assuming it is used only as a root drench rather than a foliar application, it can benefit most garden crops. It's use around low growing leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach where the consumable parts may come into direct contact with it is discouraged.

Dave

I asked the same ? about pond water and have been thinking about it.
If you are watering very young plants that won't be consumed for a month or so, does it really still matter? Especially if you concentrate the tea or pond water directly to the roots?
It seems that the stuff would be watered in by the time it's ready to be consumed. Also, many people use manure in compost, then plant straight into that, or side dress. Problems there??? Nancy

Nancy - even if you focus it on the root area, pathogens can splash back up onto the leaves when it rains. The recommendation is around 120 days between application of manure to soil and harvesting of veggies that come into contact with the soil.

Also, many people use manure in compost, then plant straight into that, or side dress. Problems there??? Nancy

Not if they follow the guidelines - using only actively hot composted for 90 days or cold passive composted for 120.

But studies done by UC Davis show active e. coli and salmonella cultured out of even 120 day manured compost. That is the reason for the "avoid use around root vegetables, leafy green, low growing vegetables with direct contact" guideline.

In theory one could assume as you suggest - that it might be watered in, contact the roots only, washed off, etc. But in real life that may not be a safe assumption. Not everyone gets lots of rain during the season, or uses drip irrigation, or perhaps isn't as careful at application and washing as needed it's best to follow the guidelines and limit the use as recommended.

Dave

Might I suggest adding an air stone bubbler and blow air into it for 24 hours. This will drive off any alcohol formed during the anaerobic stage of production. It will also increase the bacteria by leaps and bounds, especially if you add 1 tbs Molasses per gallon of mix.
Then you could dilute considerably making it go even further, but still spread around using the above posts advice.

Bman..."Sage Advice"...aren't bee's attracted to "sage?"

what is an 'air stone bubbler" and how much does it cost? Also where would I find it?
thanks so much!

air stone bubbler is used in fish tanks. they are very inexpensive and are at pet stores and walmart.

How about using the tea around your corn plants? Any problems with that?

Though I'm not the OP, thank you for that info!
I think I'll put my pond water and manure tea into the compost bin where it'll sit for awhile!
I'm cleaning out the pond tomorrow! Nancy