How long should I let the pump run and "simmer" the compost bag, I forget that too.

Greg

I think the usual ratio is 1 part compost + 5 parts water. Then you dilute it further for use.

I've never mechanically aerated mine, so I can't answer that.

sue

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

If you use the ratio I use for a 5 gallon bucket :
1/2 of the barrel with compost and then fill w/water.
I areate for three days also using molasses to feed the microherd.
I am sure there is a scientific formula but the important thing I heard emphasised was that after about three days at this ratio the herd needed to be fed again.
There is a great link here somewhere.
I'll try to find it.

Tom

Found it,
Forgive the link I have yet to figure out the blue lettered way to send you right to it.... duh ...

www.tauton.com/finegardening/how-to/articles/brewing-compost-tea.aspx

Tom

I forget how much compost material I used in the mesh bag. Would someone in the know tell me how much material I should use for a setup like mine.

It honestly doesn't matter. You can use as little or as much as you want. The more you put in the bag, the more you will have to dilute the end product so that it is the color of weak iced tea before using. The less in the tea bag, the less you have to dilute. Also consider how you plan to use it. Foliar feeding needs to be much weaker than root drench. But don't over-complicate it. It isn't brain surgery. ;)

How long should I let the pump run and "simmer" the compost bag, I forget that too.

Again - it doesn't matter tho I find that too long gets stinky. It depends on how quickly I need it. 12 hour stuff needs less dilution than 48 hour stuff but is just as good. 72 hours is the max for benefit as far as I am concerned - after that you're wasting time and nutrients but I seldom let it go that long.

Dave

Again - it doesn't matter tho I find that too long gets stinky. It depends on how quickly I need it. 12 hour stuff needs less dilution than 48 hour stuff but is just as good. 72 hours is the max for benefit as far as I am concerned - after that you're wasting time and nutrients but I seldom let it go that long.

Dave: Two questions. Is the above statement referring to aerated or non-aerated? And, about it getting stinky, (apparently that's the only type I'm good at making :)) Is stinky tea still good???? I'm been dumping mine 'cause I'm not sure. Real new at CT too. Guess, what I'm trying to find out is: can the end product EVER be bad and harmful to the plants? Thank You . Oh, I don't aerate. Sudz

Thanks to all of you who responded, I think I remember now how to go about it.

Greg

I am interested in this answer too. Is compost tea that has been brewing for too long harmful?
I have about 1/2 a barrell (non arieated) that has been brewing a week, and I am leaving for 2 weeks on a business trip on friday. I don't know if I will have time to use it before I leave. If I leave it and use it when I get home will it be harmful? I know it will be stinky, but that doesn't bother me.

Jenny P

Is compost tea that has been brewing for too long harmful?

Is the above statement referring to aerated or non-aerated? And, about it getting stinky, (apparently that's the only type I'm good at making :)) Is stinky tea still good???? I'm been dumping mine 'cause I'm not sure. Real new at CT too. Guess, what I'm trying to find out is: can the end product EVER be bad and harmful to the plants?

Talking straight compost tea, not manure or manured compost tea as they are different animals, ok?

Just as with compost itself, anaerobic tea isn't desirable.
Not that it is flat-out harmful any more than anaerobic compost is harmful, but it does contain undesirable bacteria, molds, and fungi so it isn't safe to use as a general spray or foliar feed even if diluted well.

Used as root drench it is ok as long as you avoid splashing it on plant leaves or using it on root crops or low-growing leafy greens where it can contaminate them with those pathogens. Both aerated or non-aerated teas can become anaerobic if brewed too long although aerated takes longer to turn anaerobic.

But honestly, there is no benefit to such long brewing times. Either way, 12-24 hour tea is perfect and then pull the bag, 48 hours if areated. And brew smaller amounts that you know you can use within that time frame. If you have a bucket or barrel that has turned anaerobic double the dilution on it and aerate it by stirring well or pouring back and forth from bucket to bucket until the worst of the odor dissipates.

Dave

Thanks Dave, very much. Been real worried about using that smelly stuff. I THINK I finally understand. Appreciate your time and knowledge. :)