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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum
binner
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 35
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 minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/23 07:32 I have read that minimum temps for brewing and using castings tea effectively is around 55 degrees. The night time temps around these parts are still falling into the 30's and 40's. I'm getting itchy to get some of those good microbes on my strawberry patch. Would brewing tea with nighttime temps that low be worthwhile? Anybody have any actual experience that you cuold share regarding brwing this early in northern spring time?
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redhen
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 655
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/23 10:20 Can't you brew indoors? Susan Quinby-Honer
redhen@nc.rr.com
Starve the Landfill...Feed the Earth.
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binner
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A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 35
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/23 10:46 Yes I could but I wonder about the dank forest smell that I've heard others talk about lingering in the house. I would probably have the windows closed at night. Also if I did brew in the house would the microbes live once deposited in the garden when temps fall outside? Thanks for your comments.
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Swimmus
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A Mature Breeder Earthworm
Posts: 76
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/24 21:51 I don't have an answer for you, I would like to know myself, But i generally won't start a brew unless it is above 60 for a 24 hour period.

Does anyone have any report on the best brewing temps. I have seen a few sites that sell brewers state around 70 but I do not know what it is based upon.

Red Hen, do you have a min temp you brew at? www.wormcrusader.com
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binner
User

A Juvenile Earthworm
Posts: 35
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/25 07:19 I got some answers (see below)at the backyardgardner site. They make the kis tea maker and also have some interesting info if anybody wants to visit. According to them, the temp range is 55-80 for good tea but someplace on the site they said minimum of 40 degrees. I will probably do a modified redhen version on my enclosed porch next week and provide some heat at night.

How long does it take to make compost tea in the Keep It SimpleŽ 5, 28, 55, & 100, 500, and 1000-gallon brewers?

It takes 24 hours at 55°-80° degrees or longer if the temperatures are colder in the larger brewers, 12-hours (or more) in the 5-gallon brewer.

What happens if temperatures are too cold?

The air temperature determines the water temperature because the air is moving through the pump into the water. If the temperatures are too cold (below 70 degrees), it will take longer for the microbes to produce and you will need to run your brewer for a minimum of 3 hours longer.
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Kyle
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 103
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/25 08:48 Binner dont forget to feed the little bugs. Molases works great.
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gnosnhoj
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A Protected Species Earthworm
Posts: 509
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 Re:minimum temps for brewing tea - 2008/04/25 22:02 Last year when spring temps sukt here I brewed in the barn with the bucket set on top of my oil-filled heater (which I'd built a shop-seat around). It kept the bucket temps 55-65df when outside was 40s and lower. It appeared to be a great early season innoculator for my veggie beds. Y'all have fun, whatever you're doing.
Gary
Hopkinsville, KY
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Boardwalk :: Forum List Six (6) New Worm Digest Forums 1) General Earthworm Discussion Forum

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