Alpaca Manure Tea
Turning this...
Organic fertilizers are beneficial to the soil.
Bruce Zimmerman at Hort-Pro tells us, “ They build up the organic content of the soil, which improves its drainage and structure. By improving a soils structure you increase its ability to hold and release nutrients. The natural break down of the organic material by beneficial soil organisms can provide almost all the nutrients that a plant requires.”
...Into This!
Alpaca Poop (manure) Tea is the water that alpaca poop has steeped in. We let it steep for a month. During this time the nutrients go from the manure into the water leaving a liquid fertilizer. Alpaca poop tea is less aromatic than other manure teas. It is also less likely to “burn” your plants.
Directions for use: Dilute the poop tea until it looks like regular tea and it’s ready to use. Store in cool, dark place and it will remain effective for several years.
9 Tips for Using Paca Poop Tea:
- Dip every new plant before it goes into the ground. Dip the root ball until the bubbles stop rising to the top of the tea’s container.
- Use it to fill holes before you plant. Wait until it dissipates before you plant. This allows the soil around the plant to get the full benefit.
- Poop tea can be put in spray bottles or watering cans for easy application.
- Administer at soil level on all plants.
- Some plants do well with foliar feeding (having their foliage sprayed). For plants like these add 1/8 tsp. vegetable oil or dishwashing soap to each gallon of tea before filling spray bottle to help tea stick to the leaves.
- Don’t overuse. More isn’t always better. Limit to 1/2 gallon of tea concentrate per bush/plant.
- Give your house plants a power boost by using it on your indoor plants.
- For best results, use on cloudy days or early in the morning.
- Use on outdoor plants every six weeks or so. Use on indoor plants about once a week.
- If you are happy with the results of your Alpaca Poop Tea, share it with us, and tell your friends. Helping you grow beautiful plants is just one more way alpacas bring joy to our lives!
*Alpaca Poop Tea is a fertilizer and is not intended for human consumption. Duh, but felt I should say that.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Hi,
Great article. I think it will be important to mention that if you have an organic garden or an organic farm, you always need to make sure that the manure comes from an organic place. Manure from non organic farms may contain pesticides or pesticide residues. Some farmers spray manure piles with pesticides to kill fly larvae. Manure may also contain residues from antibiotics or other livestock medication. These chemicals can suppress microbial population in compost. it’s best to ask the farmer whether the manure of the animals that produce it have been treated with medications or pesticides.