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Soil, Compost & Mulch

Can you add too much sugar to tea?

15 years ago

Started my compost tea today with aeration and good compost.

I understand that one ounce of unsulphured molasses is correct to add to the half a five gallon bucket of compost and safe water to the top.

I just guessed at the amount of molasses, out of a 12 oz. bottle appx two tbls.

Can you put too much in?

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Comments (6)

blutranes
15 years ago
You could, but I wouldn't stress too much about it. If by chance too much of one ingredient is added one can always add more water to dilute the compost tea before using. IMO, better to err on the side of not using as much as recommended, one can always spray more often if results are not as expected.

Another thing I always keep in mind is that when using organic gardening techniques, more is not always better. We deal with what is called the "powerful little", in that a small application can bring about big results. We can always add more, but it can be very tricky to remove something once applied (especially when foliar spraying)...

Blutranes
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piotr01
15 years ago
unsulfered? uh oh. I got my first batch brewing right now and should be ready when i get home, I used black strap molasses though which is sulfured.

What happens now?? 8(
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windclimber
Original Author
15 years ago
The blackstrap I used is labled unsulphered, I defer to the experts.

Tom
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blutranes
15 years ago
I used black strap molasses though which is sulfured.

That too is nothing to be stressed about. Compost tea is very forgiving if used in a timely manner. Unsulfured is recommended in most writings, but I have used both will no noticeable ill effects. Again, moderation is the key...

Blutranes
0
windclimber
Original Author
15 years ago
How fast should I estimate the time it takes for the sugar to deplete in the tea.
Sorry if it seems like obsession, ....just don't want to waste all the time to brew, with bad results, till I get a feel for it.
I have been stirring vigorusly two or three times a day and started it monday eve. the compost was of top quality. would it be time to add a little more molasses to ensure good feeding of the microherd. (still noting bluetranes tip about stressing about it):)
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blutranes
15 years ago
I have been stirring vigorusly two or three times a day and started it monday eve.

The tea should be ready to use without any other addition of molasses. A brewing time of 24-36 hours is plenty IMO and from what I have learned. Adding more molasses could be a waste, thus the suggestion to use it before it goes anaerobic...

Blutranes
0

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