Re: [compost_tea] Herb and Weed Tea Query

From: Ted Peterson <ted.peterson_at_tcsn.net>
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 10:15:48 -0800

If I read your initial question correctly, you are asking about extracting =
"ingredients" from plants -- plant extracts. Compost tea grows the bacteri=
a that already exist in compost into a tea. You aerate the tea to give adv=
antage to the functional aerobes which, when put into the soil, work with t=
he plants and increase the overall soil health. This has little to do with=
 extracting some type of active substance which might be part of the plant =
that we use in some type of medicinal way. The things that we value out of=
 the plant, digitalis from foxglove for example, have little actual value t=
o the plant.

Think of it this way: Bees gather ntectar from plants, chew it up and make =
honey which is basically bee spit. In the process of gathering the honey, =
they spread plant pollen and aid in the propagation of the plants. The bee=
 does not know that it is doing this and the bee doesn't have the spreading=
 of pollen as it's task. The bee's task is to gather nectar for honey whic=
h is used for food.

The medicinal properties of the plants can be seen similarly. The inherent=
 curative property of the plant has nothing to do with the plant requiremen=
ts for growth. Compost tea magnifies the bacteria from compost that can he=
lp feed the plant, make the plant stronger and give the plant an advantage =
in fighting harmful insects and fungi. If you focus your tea on let's say =
tobacco extracts, you are extracting a substance that may be totally negati=
ve to the bacteria you are trying to grow and the fungi you re trying to ex=
tract in the tea.

It seems to me that the two processes are entirely separate. The condition=
s you want for plant extracts are not those compatible with the growth of b=
acteria and fungi. Get an introductory text on microbiology if you do not =
have one. I found a great deal of supportive data in regards to the compos=
t tea process and paradigm.

Because we have been educated to find "cures" for problems, additives in th=
e tea to accomplish certain tasks seems logical. However, compost tea take=
s a different mind set.

Ted Peterson
Earth-Wise/Spirit of the Earth
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Jeff Lowenfels
  To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 9:30 AM
  Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Herb and Weed Tea Query


  Ah, I meant to note that the addition of nutrients and air help the bacte=
ria multiply more rapidly...Ted, you suggesting this is not correct? I am =
only guessing. You might know!

  Thanks,
  Jeff L

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Received on Thu Nov 13 2003 - 13:43:35 EST

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