In the book, A Coffee Table Book about Coffee Tables, the author describes several types of coffee tables that coffee books can be placed on. In this article, Tea time 2, a tea for a tea making plant is discussed.
This tea is called Compost Tea. The ingredients are easy to get: compost, water, and molasses (unsulfured). Find two buckets, some tubing, and a small pump (can be purchased at pet store or aquarium). Attach tubing to pump, place ends at bottom of bucket, fill with ingredients, and brew for 2-3 days. When ready, strain tea into other bucket, and use immediately on soil of tea making plant, Satureja douglasii (see previous article, Tea time) or anywhere else in the garden. Do not apply directly on edibles or drink it.
Plants really like compost, but they especially like Compost Tea. By itself, compost contains many beneficial microorganisms that provide nutrients to plants and improve soil biology. By aerating the mixture and feeding it molasses (unsulfured), these microorganisms are able to thrive and multiply rapidly. Compost Tea and the millions, perhaps billions, of good bacteria and fungi that come with it improve soil health and makes plants bigger, better, and more disease resistant.
Spring is the perfect time to make your own batch. Try these earthy recipes by CompostJunkie.com:
http://www.compostjunkie.com/compost-tea-recipe.html
To learn more about the soil food web and its importance, read this article by Ann Lovejoy of Fine Gardening Magazine:
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/introducing-soil-food-web.aspx
And to get started right away, check out Lyngso Garden Materials, Inc., in Redwood City. They have Compost Tea kits available for purchase, and have fresh Compost Tea ready for pick up next week, April 9th-11th. Call ahead to reserve, (650) 364-1730. Also check out their website for free and very helpful garden how-to classes:
Good luck!
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