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Soil, Compost & Mulch

Odd question about compost tea......

13 years ago

I am a newbie to the use of compost tea (and loving it). I am growing some of my veggies in pots. I planted some flowers to attract bees around the garden since my neighbor has a hive in her tree. It wasn't until I started using the compost tea that I noticed lots of bees. But they are not going after the flowers, they are going after the compost tea that drains from the plant pots. So, my question is does compost tea attract bees and if so, why?

Thanks

Trini-

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Comments (5)

Kimmsr
13 years ago
More than likely what you are seeing are not bees but are wasps.
phebe_greenhouse
13 years ago
Could be bees --- Bees need a regular water source. (We used to keep bees.) That's one of the reasons bees are so very unpopular in subdivisions --- they gather at the edges of people's swimming pools.

I'd guess your neighbor's bees are drinking the compost tea. They don't seem to mind the enhanced flavor, apparently.....if you put out a birdbath, they'll drink there.
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Is compost tea that has been brewing for too long harmful? Is the above statement referring to aerated or non-aerated? And, about it getting stinky, (apparently that's the only type I'm good at making :)) Is stinky tea still good???? I'm been dumping mine 'cause I'm not sure. Real new at CT too. Guess, what I'm trying to find out is: can the end product EVER be bad and harmful to the plants? Talking straight compost tea, not manure or manured compost tea as they are different animals, ok? Just as with compost itself, anaerobic tea isn't desirable. Not that it is flat-out harmful any more than anaerobic compost is harmful, but it does contain undesirable bacteria, molds, and fungi so it isn't safe to use as a general spray or foliar feed even if diluted well. Used as root drench it is ok as long as you avoid splashing it on plant leaves or using it on root crops or low-growing leafy greens where it can contaminate them with those pathogens. Both aerated or non-aerated teas can become anaerobic if brewed too long although aerated takes longer to turn anaerobic. But honestly, there is no benefit to such long brewing times. Either way, 12-24 hour tea is perfect and then pull the bag, 48 hours if areated. And brew smaller amounts that you know you can use within that time frame. If you have a bucket or barrel that has turned anaerobic double the dilution on it and aerate it by stirring well or pouring back and forth from bucket to bucket until the worst of the odor dissipates. Dave
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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
13 years ago
Did you make the compost tea using molasses or another sugary substance for a carbon source? When the weather started getting cold the wasps and hornets took over the jelly feeders I put out for the orioles and catbirds. The same thing happened last year.

I read somewhere that when it gets colder the caterpillars, spiders, etc. that are the wasps main food source die off and the wasps are scrambling for food to get their queens through the winter. Anything sweet is a quick meal for them. If your tea is sweet they'll drink it.

Claire (guessing)
trini1trini
Original Author
13 years ago
They are bees. I see them as they go to the hive which has honeycombs attached to the tree and all. I was outside a couple month ago when the swarm came by. Scared the begebees outta me as it was so loud. :) They immediately attached to a branch on this tree which is about 80 years old. It was a sight to see. Anyway, I do have birdbaths all around the veggie garden but all they go for is the compost tea.

I only added coffee grinds to the compost tea and I store it in a garbage can with a lid. Dozens of the bees are hanging around the can and on the soil after I water the plants with the tea. I was in the garden for a few hours today so I had the chance to observe them. Dozens came and left and it was all about the tea. None went near the birdbath or flowers. Go figure....

Look closely at the base of the pot and you'll one....
{{gwi:310433}}
phebe_greenhouse
13 years ago
Wow. You have an interesting situation there, trini. I'd agree with Claire, SOME way you have produced a sweet compost liquid, or at least nutritious from the point of view of the bees. Well, you wanted to attract bees......that worked!

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