[compost_tea] Re: Comfrey compost tea recipe
I ordered potted plants from Horizon Herbs -- I got them in late summer, an=
d planted them outside right away. The plants died back for the winter, th=
en last summer I had 3 huge comfrey plants. I bought the "true" comfrey, S=
ymphytum officinalis, since this was the one I had heard recommended for co=
mpost. I noticed that Horizon Herbs also has a Russian variety, mentioned =
as a companion plant for orchard trees.
Sue
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, thatsmyluggage_at_... wrote:
>
> I ordered bare root plants from Horizon Herbs. They also had seeds for th=
e different biodynamic preparations for the compost pile. When I plant bar=
e root or divisions, I soak them for an hour in dilute seaweed extract. Pla=
nt them about 3' apart. Soak them, then soak them again.One more soaking th=
en once a week. I have an area where I plant all the biodynamic preps. to a=
dd to the compost pile. I admit to not adding them in the exact schematic p=
er Rudolf Steiner. We harvest the various materials, and put them in the wa=
ste heap where thy get shredded for the compost windrow.
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mickey Damelio <visionteacher_at_...>
> To: compost_tea <compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 3:56 pm
> Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Comfrey compost tea recipe
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> Where did you get your plants? My nursery sells a variety that doesn't sp=
read, but I'm not interested in that. Its such a handy plant I'd like more =
than just the one, but I don't want to pay the crazy price they are chargin=
g for it. I have 4 acres and its free to spread a bit if it wants to, I'll =
cut the leaves for mulch for the orchard. Thanks!!
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>
> ~Mickey
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> On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM, <thatsmyluggage_at_...> wrote:
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> Comfrey has many interesting attributes. It has a very deep root system a=
nd transports minerals from subsoil to leaf. It is very high in protein (pe=
rhaps the highest of any plant 25-30%) , and is considered the fastest grow=
ing plant in temperate climates. It is very rich in minerals, and also cont=
ains allatonin which stimulates cell mitosis. Roots have more of this than =
leaves. 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 wi=
ll languish. The roots want to go 10' deep.
>
> I grow about 40 comfrey plants to add to the compost piles. It is an exce=
llent bacterial and fungal food. To make a water extract. You could soak t=
he leaves, but I use a blender (and strain solids if I'm spraying it.) I us=
e about a cup of leaves to a gallon of water. The plant grows so fast, you =
can harvest leaves several times a year. If left to bloom, the flowers are =
sort of nice and attract many bees. I cant help but think it has some posit=
ive effect on them as well.
>
> I don't fully appreciate all of the bio dynamic principles, but the addit=
ion of the dandelion, stinging nettle, oak, yarrow, valerian, comfrey,equis=
etum, etc. to the compost pile, add many valuable minerals and compounds...=
which in turn also make better compost tea.
>
> I think another extremely valuable plant for this similar purpose of maki=
ng a water extract is Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail).
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> Brian
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_...>
> To: compost_tea <compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Fri, Feb 25, 2011 9:55 am
> Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Comfrey compost tea recipe
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> Sugars do not promote fungi, but rather bacteria....
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> Please plant a row for the hungry in your garden. Ask me how!
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> On Feb 25, 2011, at 5:50 AM, Jonathan Bewley <ummyepp_at_...> wrote:
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> Comfrey Tea is one of those nutty biodynamic creations I believe.
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> You only want to add sugars to a compost tea if you are working to intent=
ionally propagate fungus.
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> Bacteria specific to your sugars will out compete the bacteria of your co=
mpost.
>
Received on Sat Feb 26 2011 - 09:13:28 EST
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