Want to Start Making Organic Teas

[Greenskies00]

I want to start making organic teas (or compost teas). I know about the 5-gallon bucket, do-it-yourself methods, but I still have a lot of questions. What can/can't I include? Guano? Blood Meal? Kelp Meal? Worm Castings? Where can I get the best type of aerators? How much will those cost? Can I just pour the tea directly into the substrate? Should it be watered down?

If anyone has any links to tutorials, I'd appreciate those.

The reason I've become so interested in organic teas is that I've read a lot, and the consensus seems to be that this is the best way to feed your plants. Problem is that there are no directions on the bottle for me to follow, and I don't want to burn my plants.

Thanks.

 

[vonforne]

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=60687&page=1

V

 

[quadracer]

I want to start making organic teas (or compost teas). I know about the 5-gallon bucket, do-it-yourself methods, but I still have a lot of questions. What can/can't I include? Guano? Blood Meal? Kelp Meal? Worm Castings? Where can I get the best type of aerators? How much will those cost? Can I just pour the tea directly into the substrate? Should it be watered down?

If anyone has any links to tutorials, I'd appreciate those.

The reason I've become so interested in organic teas is that I've read a lot, and the consensus seems to be that this is the best way to feed your plants. Problem is that there are no directions on the bottle for me to follow, and I don't want to burn my plants.

Thanks.

Hey Greenskies! Good choice, watering with teas. There are a couple of threads that will help out in making a tea.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=60687
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=61990
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=60341


There are different tea recipes for veg and flower, and strengths depend on the size and health of your plant. A good rule of thumb is adding half strength to the tea, and you won't have to worry about burning your plants. With guanos though, I like to go a little below half strength starting off, then work my way up. I only add guano during flower too.

 

[Greenskies00]

I see there are some compost tea kits for sale around $35-$40, but I'd rather buy a 5-gallon bucket at Lowe's and get some airstones at Wal-Mart. All these DVD's and CD's and powdered junk that come in these kits is probably a waste of money. I want to keep it simple.

 

[vonforne]

Thats all the compost kit you will need. You can get the ingredients and make 100X more for your money.

V