Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Making Organic 'Tea'
When using the SFG method in particular and following the composting and Companion
planting methods included here, there should be no need at all for chemical fertilizers. The
SFG method of organic growing means that your growing medium (your soil) is forever re-
plenishing itself, and the most it should need is a 'top-up' of compost or 'green tea' at the
peak of the growing season.
Where possible use rain water, or even water from a river or pond to make your 'tea.'
What is Green Tea?
This is simply a phrase coined for a liquid solution made by adding water to organic matter
andlettingit'brew'intoanutrientrichfeedforyourplants.Thereareanynumberofrecipes
for this concoction, but here are 4 common recipes you may wish to consider.
Compost Tea : Place mature compost into a large drum, filling about half
way.Fill tothe topwith water.Stir thoroughly then let this mix brew fora
period of 5 days or so, then strain of the compost and add the liquid to the
base of the plants.
Horse Manure Tea: Follow the recipe for the compost tea, but add only
1/3 rd manure and two thirds water. I have found this feed particularly ef-
fective for Tomatoes.
Comfrey Tea: Rich in potash and nitrogen, Comfrey is worth growing in
any patch of ground for this ability alone. Add a large bunch of chopped-
up comfrey to your water bin, place a brick on top and fill with water. Let
it brew for about two weeks before adding to your veggies.
Nettle Tea: This tea does not contain much in the way of phosphates,
but has usable amounts of nitrogen, iron, and magnesium. After donning
heavy gloves to avoid the stinging nettles! Choose young plants without
seeds or roots and put a large clump into a pail. Chop up with sheers and
¾ fill the pail with water . Stir thoroughly and leave to mature for 5-10
days.
General Guidelines:
Be aware that E coli and other harmful bacteria can be present in any manure and so must
behandledwithduecare.Donotfeedcompostormanureteatoplantswheretheedible part
lies on the ground - i.e. strawberries, cucumber, marrow etc. And stop using 3 weeks before
vegetables are to be harvested.
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