[naturalscott]

Ok so I have been reading and researching the materials on compost tea, uses, and how to make it. There is still one question that I would like answered that I can't find an answer too... I see where you can make large quanities and it has several different uses, but how do you, or is there a way to make a large batch and then store it for several days without having to use it immeditaly?

[Willow Hill]

From Spring Planting 2005 Issue of Horticulture Mag: Plant pathologist Olaf Robeiro, suggests that the best way to get good microbes into soil is by using aged manure or well-composted mulch. (Well-composted is key, here, as the article is mostly about mulches causing plant diseases.) Compost tea has to be applied frequently, so it can be costly, he says Also, teas need to be kept aerated or you end up with more anaerobic than aerobic microorganisms in the brew. And for maximum microbial effect, it needs to be applied as soon as possible after brewing.

There's more about taking care what you spread or pour on your garden. That's the bit about compost tea.

[LandArts]

I guess I've never "gotten" compost teas. Good,rich soil has plenty of microbes and seaweed/fish emulsion will do a lot more to stimulate soil life.


www.land-arts.net

[GLAN]

I like that seaweed/fish emulsion idea much better.

2 winters ago I paid to attend an organics seminar.......sounds simple enough.......but I am an old timer at this game and unless I see results.........quickly.......I aint happy. Neither are my customers.

I will say this..........organics has it's place........and does has it's niche and people that do want it........and I have seen some very nice turf and landscape plants that was changed over to organic some years ago.

I personaly think that with the significant attention pesticides have been getting and the removal of so many in just a few short years..........organic is the next step.

In preparing for it.....2 seasons ago we began mulching our grass clippings for 3 - 3.5 months in the summer. I notice more consistent green, less drought stress......as far as drought stress is concerned......I do think that the clippings are acting like a mulch, keeping the sun directly off the soil surface.

This will be the 3rd summer.....I think by this season I should be able to cut back on a fungicide application and hopefully a fertilizer application.

Next season I intend to specify and only purchase seed that has been endophyte enhanced.........After 2 years of using that type of seed.......I will be, or should be able to remove surface feeding insect control from the program. And do a more targeted application if necessary.

[HRLand]

Glan, are you adding mulching kits to your mowers or just letting it fly and double cutting?

[GLAN]

Mulching kits

I changed over our machines from some old Scags to Exmark/Toro's

[GLAN]

There can be considerable blowout of clippings from under the deck.....like along beds.....concrete.

The kits are great............but what I was actualy thinking just now would be to while mulching. Not only install the mulch kit, include installing one of those side discharge flap doors. This way while making the first circle cut of the lawn.......it can discharge. Then close it while going back and forth......Using such devices that are available it would releave the air pressure created by the mulch kit and should significantly reduce the blowout while cutting the boarder circle.......keeping beds and concrete cleaner.

I should try it this year