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[compost_tea] Suggested CT sprayers



Steve wrote:

>I have heard that these work well.  If you already have a sprayer, you may
>want to try a staight wand, with a larger spray opening, which may prevent
>clogging.  Good luck!
>  <A 
>HREF="http://www.aceenergysupply.com/showprod.cfm?CatID=7&ObjectGroup_ID=315";>Click 
>here: Ace Energy Supply</A>

Thanks, Steve. The sprayer I have now is aged, and finding a wand for 
it would probably be difficult/impossible. It's definitely time to 
find THE best sprayer for CT that we can find/afford.

I sprayed CT for the first time this morning, using the creaky old 
sprayer, and it was definitely a study in frustration: stopping every 
couple of feet to shake/bang/remove the nozzle, until finally, 
reaching the dregs of the CT, everything ground to a halt. No problem 
finishing off with a watering can, but we still need a good sprayer.

Bob wrote:

>Light rain or a short dry period, Irene, after rain and before rain 
>are ideal for TEA.   Microbes need water to go deep in soil, to wash 
>down to the sod from grass,  With even a short drying period 
>bacteria will bond to foliage enough to resist rain.  Turn your KIS 
>on.  Let it go until those clouds part for a while.  Wear your 
>boots.  Have fun. Web feet make walking easier on wet grass.

Thanks for the information about how soon before/after rain it's OK 
to spray. Now that I know that even a short drying period is enough, 
I can probably dodge the passing showers and gully-washers.

It's hard to get webbed feet into boots, so I'm gonna have to make a 
choice! : )

Steve wrote:

>Here is a post from Jeff about sprayers. You should be able to find one or
>have someone order one for you. When else fails, you can order on-line.


>>
>>Someone asked about sprayers for gardeners. I just located one that has all
>>the promise in the world as it is designed to handle up to 35% solids!
>>http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=1017  It runs 95 bucks, but it
>>is a Hudson and should last all your life!

I've checked out all the websites recommended, and this one looks 
pretty promising. I called the Hudson 1-800 # to find a dealer in 
Tacoma or Puyallup WA and was told that pretty much any Tru Value 
hardware or Lowe's would carry Hudson sprayers. We'll take a trip out 
into the Big Wide World tomorrow to look for one.

Hudson's website with details about the sprayer that can handle 35% 
solids is here:
http://www.hdhudson.com/pd-spray-thick.html

Its description includes the information that
"Tank is heavily galvanized steel that has baked on Endurall® epoxy 
inside and out." Makes me wonder how heavy it is, and how easy it is 
to lug around.

Tom wrote:


>Hudson sprayers, in the professional line, are lined with epoxy, stainless
>steel, or tanks are of high-density polyethylene. Great parts availability
>and good customer support direct!! The actually sell the parts to fix their
>sprayers! (Sustainable tools?)

Having replacement parts available is a BIG plus, IMHO.

>One of the most convenient of all sprayers is the Swiss made Birchmeier.
>They have a backpack with removable 2.5 G Plastic jugs several products can
>share the sprayer with a rapid cleanout using a jug of water to flush. Tea
>to oil to soap, a water rinse and Beauveria can be applied. No cross
>contamination of products sharing the same jug. Handy pressure regulator and
>the ability to use TeeJet nozzles with flow control make it an
>estate/sustainable garden workhorse. Parts take a bit of creativity to find
>and I just make sure I know which hardware store has the best selection of
>"O" rings. Still not the best for the mechanically disadvantaged, but I
>managed. I have done foliar spraying with straight tea in it. All filters
>are removed and the tea is strained by a tea bag from my brewer.

I found this website for Birchmeier products.
http://www.arborchem.com/birchspr.htm
They sound wonderful, but I'm afraid they're out of my price range. 
If I were a commercial grower rather than a homestead gardener I'd be 
tempted to at least *look* at them.

Many thanks to everyone for their responses and suggestions. I really 
appreciate all the help.

irene, in the woods outside eatonville, wa, where we just had a 
five-minute rainshower as I was writing this email.

Fibers on the Internet
http://trilliumwoods.com/



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