Re: [compost_tea] Comfrey compost tea recipe
Comfrey has many interesting attributes. It has a very deep root system and=
transports minerals from subsoil to leaf. It is very high in protein (perh=
aps the highest of any plant 25-30%) , and is considered the fastest growin=
g plant in temperate climates. It is very rich in minerals, and also contai=
ns allatonin which stimulates cell mitosis. Roots have more of this than le=
aves. If you want to harvest roots, don't worry about digging up most of a =
plant. Its very difficult to get rid of. Don't grow in a container. It will=
languish. The roots want to go 10' deep.
I grow about 40 comfrey plants to add to the compost piles. It is an excell=
ent bacterial and fungal food. To make a water extract. You could soak the=
leaves, but I use a blender (and strain solids if I'm spraying it.) I use =
about a cup of leaves to a gallon of water. The plant grows so fast, you ca=
n harvest leaves several times a year. If left to bloom, the flowers are so=
rt of nice and attract many bees. I cant help but think it has some positiv=
e effect on them as well.
I don't fully appreciate all of the bio dynamic principles, but the additio=
n of the dandelion, stinging nettle, oak, yarrow, valerian, comfrey,equiset=
um, etc. to the compost pile, add many valuable minerals and compounds...wh=
ich in turn also make better compost tea.
I think another extremely valuable plant for this similar purpose of making=
a water extract is Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail).
Brian
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_gardener.com>
To: compost_tea <compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:55 am
Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Comfrey compost tea recipe
Sugars do not promote fungi, but rather bacteria....
Please plant a row for the hungry in your garden. Ask me how!
On Feb 25, 2011, at 5:50 AM, Jonathan Bewley <ummyepp_at_yahoo.com> wrote:
Comfrey Tea is one of those nutty biodynamic creations I believe.
You only want to add sugars to a compost tea if you are working to intentio=
nally propagate fungus.
Bacteria specific to your sugars will out compete the bacteria of your comp=
ost.
Received on Fri Feb 25 2011 - 10:33:28 EST
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