compost tea questions?

[dipchip2000]

I have used the Myco and Biotamax as a soil drench when planting out my tomatoes. Is there still a benefit to brew compost tea and use this in addition to the previously applied soil drench? Would this be overkill or will there still be additional benefits using the tea?
thanks
ron

[organichris]

Originally Posted by dipchip2000

I have used the Myco and Biotamax as a soil drench when planting out my tomatoes. Is there still a benefit to brew compost tea and use this in addition to the previously applied soil drench? Would this be overkill or will there still be additional benefits using the tea?
thanks
ron

Couldn't hoit.

[davespitzer]

I've never understood compost teas. If it's well composted, why not just apply it directly? That way you get all of the benefits of the compost, not just the soluble components, it's easier, and you don't have to deal with the leftovers. Compost is good stuff! Dave

[beeman]

Compost teas are applied as a foliar spray.
I know from experience, does keep the bugs at bay. Adding Compost to the soil does not achieve the same result.

[amideutch]

Unless you have your "Brew" analyzed as recommended by some of the top authorities in the field I would be careful with CT. There are so many variables in the techniques used to make the stuff it's almost a crap shoot as to what the final product is going to be.

After applying the Myco's and Biota Max to the plants via soil drench you want to feed the fungi and bacteria so they will proliferate and in doing so feed the plants. T&J Enterprises sells a product called "Microbe Tea" which I have used that does just that and also adds some bacteria of it's own. You can either buy the kit or if you have an air pump, 5 gal bucket and some air stones already you can make your own by just buying the refill kits and brewing your own. Brew time is 24 hours. You can use as a soil drench or as a foliar. Ami

http://www.tandjenterprises.com/CCPR...eabrewers.html

[dipchip2000]

Thanks Ami

I dont think others understood the purpose of the question. I have plenty of organic matter already in ground to feed the bacteria from the Myco and Biotamax.
Brewing the tea properly will make more bacteria for the plant thus my question. I have made the tea in the past and understand the concept of how it works. I will go ahead and make some and use on a few plants as a trial. I make the tea with worm castings and molasses as a base and brew only 14 hours and use while still sweet and discard if it happens to sour. I dont really think that the plant roots need the extra bacteria but using as a foliar spray should still help in the overall health of the plant. I will do a trial and report back on results in midseason.

thanks
ron

[creister]

Ron,

Search Deuly's Own Little Texas Brewer. Go to his web site and he has a good recipe. I've used it for about 4 years now and have had great results. If the site says "usage allotment used up" or something like that, it will reset after a few days.

[dipchip2000]

Thanks Creister

Excellent information and I bookmarked the website.
Anyone else considering compost tea should check this site out.

ron

[creister]

I've made several batches this year with out molasses. I usually use worm castings, alfalfa pellets, and hort. cornmeal. Plants really seem to like it.