Would compost tea pair well with bottled nutrients? Or no go?

Green_Alchemist

Green_Alchemist

Well-Known Member
Good day all,

I have 2 girls that fell into my care a week or so ago, and have started bottled nutrients
(as I can’t get any info on what they used for nutrients, organic or not, or even the medium used..) I figured bottled would be safest.

however.. I normally work with Organics and dry amendments now so I had to purchase some bottled nutrients. The 2 girls have PM and thrips (I’ve almost got that under control now) but I know compost teas can really help get a plants health back on track. I’d also like to add beneficial nematodes to the soil but not sure how that would work with bottled nutes.

can I still get benefits from compost tea, while using bottled nutrients? Or would it be best to not mix the 2?

thanks for any advice/ knowledge!!
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youraveragehorticulturist

Well-Known Member
In the past people said this was a huge No No, and that the bottled stuff would annihilate your soil.

But now it's a Brave New World and people say that soil microbes are much, much tougher than we though and it will work. I would alternate feeding and compost, so if you do mess up your microbes with bottled nutrients you replenish them with the tea.

If you're using the compost tea, you should get some soil life kicking. And the soil life Should balance out your pH, so maybe think about skipping the pH up. Just from reading about people's problems in soil, adjusting pH seems to cause more problems than it prevents.

If you're trying to get your plants healthy and you're going to use bottles, think about some Silica to strengthen plants against bugs and molds.
 
Green_Alchemist

Green_Alchemist

Well-Known Member
youraveragehorticulturist said:
In the past people said this was a huge No No, and that the bottled stuff would annihilate your soil.

But now it's a Brave New World and people say that soil microbes are much, much tougher than we though and it will work. I would alternate feeding and compost, so if you do mess up your microbes with bottled nutrients you replenish them with the tea.

If you're using the compost tea, you should get some soil life kicking. And the soil life Should balance out your pH, so maybe think about skipping the pH up. Just from reading about people's problems in soil, adjusting pH seems to cause more problems than it prevents.

If you're trying to get your plants healthy and you're going to use bottles, think about some Silica to strengthen plants against bugs and molds.
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Thanks for the advice!

My water sits at about 5.5 ish Ph, that’s why I Ph to about 6.0 - 6.5. I know most don’t recommended Ph with Organics, but I felt it was a little low..
Would 5.5 Ph or so be adequate?

Added some diatomaceous earth to the topsoil for Thrip control and for the silica in it, as well as beneficial nematodes to help aid in thrip control and soil health. (Edit: at separate times)

If I can go 100% organic still I’d love to, as that’s my preferred method, however I don’t know much (if anything at all) about what’s in the medium or even what medium is used.. I figured bottled would be my safest bet, but rethinking the game plan a little
 
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Hash Hound

Well-Known Member
Green_Alchemist said:
I didn’t at first but after this week, I’ve been debating a topdress of worm castings and Gaia green amendments, and some compost tea to get everything going.

Can I ask if there’s anything you’d recommend?
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sure, a topdress of worm castings and Gaia green amendments, and some compost tea to get everything going.. :lol:
 
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