Horsetail on allotments: turn an invader to plant feed
Horsetail can be a real problem on an allotment plot but you can turn it to your advantage.
Horsetail is high in silica and a when soaked to make a tea which, is said, to coat the leaves of treated plants producing a fungicide
and protect against blackspot, mildew and mint rust.
Depending on the quantity of horsetail available it can either be soaked in a lidded bucket of a water butt (This is useful if allotment site plot holders are prepared to spend a day on an allotment wide horsetail harvest).
The plants need to be fully submerged under the water so are best put in a sack or an old vegetable net pinned down with a large stone or to suspend it in a submerged weighted
bag . Regular stirring is recommended. The fermentation process can range from 10 days to 3 weeks, depending on the ambient temperature. It can be left soaking longer to be certain that it is non-viable. During fermentation the mixture will produce gas which
will bubble on the surface. Once the bubbling has stopped the it has finished bubbling the liquid can be strained and used. The are more details and photos at
http://www.carryoncomposting.com/142941460
Latest comments
Do you have any data on ' application ' of Aerated Vermi Compost Tea to Mangoes and benneficial outcomes .
Very informative site. Having been away for 5 weeks and returning to evidence of rats under and around the compost bin, I can testify to lack of human activity allowing the rats to get comfortable.
can i use dog manure in compost and mulching leaves?
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