Manure Teas

[Connie aka RainbowRose]

Hi there fellow gardeners!

Anyone here use Manure teas in gardening?

I have started some chicken manure (about a week ago now, I think the neighbors are ready to call 'Hasmat' ) LOL!!! Anyway,,,,,,I know I am let it sit for about 4 weeks (can't imagine what this stuff will smell like then), When I go to use it, (directions say 1 pt of tea to 2 gallons of water),,,do I water immediately after using the tea, or just use it like a 'regular' watering? And how often do I use it?

I used some yesterday (about 2 pts to 2 gallons of water), then I watered things about 30 minutes later.

Thank you for any tips and advice you can help me with.

Happy Gardening!!!!

[Susu]

I would use it while watering....before or after & never in the mid-day sun & heat. once a week should work just fine. on what are you using it? veg garden? flower gardens? containers?

[Connie aka RainbowRose]

HI Susu!

Thanks for the tip! I am actually using it on veggies, flowers and containers all three. In fact I just used it today for the first time (the finished product that is after sitting about 4 weeks). Boy this stuff still reeks bad LOL!

Is it ok to just add more water to the 'tea' batch that still has manure in it? The only reason I ask is because apparently my trash can has a small leak, because about half of it was drained out.

Thanks again for your help!

[Susu]

if it were me, I'd add more water since my growing season is winding down but if I were in CA or the like, I'd also start a new container to brewing. I'm betting whatever is growing around the barrel will get very lush :D do you grow your own chicken manure? ;)

[Connie aka RainbowRose]

LOL Kind of! We used to have chickens before we moved about 2 yrs ago. Then just last week, a neighbor up the road gave us 3 hens that are 2 yrs old. So we decided that we may stick to about 5 layers if we can find a couple more. That way we can have some fresh eggs along with more manure LOL not to mention they are great composters LOL!

I do have enough stored in other containers I could start a new batch (I'm going to challenge myself and see if I can grow stuff all year in a heated greenhouse), so I could always use the tea. But I also think I will add to the batch I already have too.

LOL on the 'Lush' part,,,,it probably would, if we were put on water restrictions. Most all of my grass looks pretty dead. Only my garden beds are still alive and I kind of wonder about them LOL!

Can't believe Summer is almost gone!