Homemade aerobic compost tea

[Laney]

Hi again, I've been reading everything I can find about this online, (strangely there don't appear to be books on it) since watching an American gent grow enormous veg on YouTube. It was the concept that intrigued me (rather than the size of his cabbages), and he poured his fertiliser over the whole plant explaining it was crucial to his plant's success. Without doubt I'm going to try it when I have something to use it on! And I wondered if there are already lots of veg growers who are using this technique on the forum?

[Aberdeenplotter]

I bought molasses, an air pump and stone last year but never did get any further than that

[Laney]

Ah I didn't know we could get molasses over here, was planning on cheating and using brown sugar! I'll have a mooch around. (Thanks for all your helpful info & photos on the onion from seed thread, brilliant and funny read :-) )

[Mr Bones]

Which part of the world do you live Laney. On the lotty I use black treacle and a big whisking stick, and find fresh sheep poo works well in place of compost. Re the monster sized veg, hhmmm, don't know about that; maybe, just maybe he used show bench seed varieties. I find these brews are a worthwhile addition to feed the soil and in return the plants do seem to thrive better but I can't honestly say they're really any bigger.

[Kristen]

I have a friend who uses "compost tea" in a big way, and his garden (and the ones he tends for others) look great. Ever year I promise myself I'll get-the-gear and give-it-a-go ...

[Laney]

Hi I'm a fair way down in Cornwall, UK - and feeling more than a little embarrassed - I assumed molasses were similar to dates or something, I didn't realise they're simply a form of rich dark sugar sold in supermarkets! I do look forwards to giving it a go too

[Aberdeenplotter]

Health food shops do unsulphered molasses