Re: NYT Article/Homemade Compost tea Machine

[Perry Clutts]

Hi Merla,   Check out this site. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/Tea/tea1.htm It gives good instructions  (w/ photos) on how to build a small tea machine... not really a machine, but a bucket bubbler. The instructions show a manifold and several hoses. I just use a long airstone that fits across the bottom of the 5 gallon bucket. If you use a larger container, I would suggest there be enough air to keep the compost moving around the container. Last year, for ingredients, I used compost, 500, 508, BC, molasses, and cooked whole grains (wheat). Remember, when designing a feeding program for the tea, less food can make better tea... so you only need to use very small amounts. I've got a copy of a biological assay from last summer I can send you if you like (do you have MS Excel on your computer?).   There are some machines that cost under 100 $US, but the 5 gal system is around 25$US.   Perry  I'm trying to get him to help me make a homemade compost tea machine and he thinks he already knows everything about it without listening to me.  I love him!     Best, Merla